SWA NSE A
LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk
JUNE 2016 ÂŁ2.95
136
Hair and make-up must-haves!
STEP INSIDE Luxury homes to wow you!
Everything you need for an absolutely...
PERFECT SUMMER! CoverConcept1.indd 1
GREAT FOOD
The best recipes and restaurants
WHITE WASH! Serve up looks for Wimbledon
06 06 9 771750 843018 9 771750 843018 5/31/2016 11:44:29 AM
Free Installation on all fitted bedrooms
Italian Designer Wardrobes from ÂŁ1499 including Free Installation
Visit our modern studio instore
INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE. T&Cs apply
Cutting edge designs Luxury style
For quality that lasts
E D D E R S H AW S
Harris Tweed Bowmore Sofa ÂŁ1545
Bedroom and Living Room Systems include Free Installation
Metro Corner Group from £1595
Lewis Grand Sofa £959
E D D E R S H AW S
Find us on Hadfield Road (near the new football stadium) CARDIFF: HADFIELD ROAD 02920 229070
www.eddershaws.com
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WHY YOU FELL IN LOVE
Discover the magic of Oldwalls Gower. Wedding Showcase, Thursday 16th June 2016 3pm – 8pm Tuesday 5th July 2016 3pm - 8pm
oldwallsgower.com | T: 01792 391468 | E: enquiries@oldwallsgower.com
VOTED BEST WEDDING VENUE IN WALES - WELSH NATIONAL WEDDING AWARDS
©LW
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Contents... J U N E
SWA NSEA
LIFE
2 0 1 6
HAIR & BEAUTY
FASHION 16. GAME, SET, MATCH! Get the white inspiration with our Wimbledon-inspired picks 30. SHADES OF SUMMER Sunglasses to suit all 39. LICENCE TO THRILL Red carpet glamour in time for our Swansea Life Awards
64
47. BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in beauty for June 54. GET THE GLOW We try out the facial that is dubbed the Red Carpet treatment 68. SUMMER SCENTS We sniff out the best perfumes
HEALTH & WELLBEING
EDITOR Peter Slee | 01792 545530 @PeterSlee56 | peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR Laura Davies 01792 545523 | @lawsDx laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
72: STRAWBERRY FIELDS It’s Wimbledon and that means strawberries! But what are their benefits?
PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@swwmedia.co.uk
74. START YOUR DAY PROPERLY Why breakfast really is THE meal of the day
PHOTOGRAPHY Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Gayle Marsh, Hoosh Arabi, Justin Harris, Richie Crossley CONTRIBUTORS Lara Johnson & Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Richard Hammond, Sian Day, Victoria Wade, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Jessica Hammett, Dr. Charlotte Jones, Charlotte Rogers
Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW @swansealife Email: peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk
Average net distribution 7,500 copies sold and distributed in Swansea, Gower and the surrounding South West Wales areas. Opinions expressed in Swansea Life magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or designer and the magazine is in no way liable for such opinions. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents are fully accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and late changes. No article, advertisement or graphic, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers.
ContentsFinal.indd 1
72 FOOD & DRINK
76. RUNNING FOCUS On your marks! Swansea Half Marathon preparation tips
92
86. MASTERCHEF SUCCESS A Beth Rose recipe to devour 98. SWANSEA FLAVOURS TO SAVOUR Norton House goes under the spotlight 106. SUNDAE BEST! The cream of the Swansea ice cream crop
5/20/2016 9:33:27 AM
WHAT’S ON
206
202. CALENDAR OF EVENTS What’s on in May 204. WHAT’S COMING UP Three great things to do!
30 GREAT ESCAPES
206. BILL BAILEY My Swansea gig will be a family reunion
179
SOCIAL DIARY
178. GREECED LIGHTNIN’ Cruising the Greek islands
216. CATWALK FUN Charity Gower fashion show
180. THE PERFECT BREAK A weekend away in Sorrento
228. WEDDING “We eloped for our perfect wedding”
182. FLIGHT UPGRADE? How to blag a better ride
232. SWANS’ BIG NIGHT Annual awards spectacular
OUT & ABOUT 184. EXPLORING ON OUR OWN DOORSTEP Out and about in Swansea with Richie Hammond
188 HOUSE & HOME
188. BEST FOOT FORWARD A Southgate trek 191. MY SWANSEA Elouise Moss-Maccarinelli
110
238 TIME FOR YOU
110. FAMILY GEM! A dream home that will wow
236. DITCHING THE LABOUR PAIN? Can hypobirthing really work?
162. FRINGE BENEFITS Triumphant tassels with Margam Jones
242. JUST FOR DAD Our pick of this year’s Father’s Day gifts
174. GARDEN PARTY CHIC Brilliant ideas to turn your garden into another room
250. GET READY! The Swansea Life Awards
ContentsFinal.indd 2
5/20/2016 9:33:48 AM
E D I TO R’ S L E T TE R
LAURA DAVIES
DEPUTY EDITOR 01792 545523 laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
Welcome...
MARK REES
WHAT’S ON EDITOR 01792 545529 mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk
We’re certainly celebrating at Swansea Life this month! We’ve just been named as one of the best half dozen regional magazines in the 2016 UK News Awards – one of the industry’s top accolades. The team and I are of course delighted. But I also want to take this opportunity to thank YOU, our readers and advertisers. Because you support us in so many ways and are at the heart of every issue of Swansea Life. Together we make the magazine a winner so thanks again for being our inspiration. Elsewhere and we all find ourselves moving into summer. And it’s funny the effect a few nice days of weather can have on us, isn’t it? Not least the way we are lulled into thinking the glorious weather will last for ever. It never does of course. But this time of the year shouldn’t be seen as second best. For it can still so often offer up all the reasons you might need to make the most of all the great things Swansea Bay has to offer. And so this month, we make no excuse for celebrating it and looking ahead to the summer still to come!
DEBBIE ROBERTS
ADVERTISING MANAGER 01792 545626 debbie.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk
To start, well, we’ve devoted lots of our pages to the coast and all it offers. Whether that is eating out by the sea, finding a great new home with stunning views of the bay or just enjoying an ice cream and an afternoon stroll through our countryside. It’s about loving what we have, yet still aspiring for more adventure. Not always perfection, but certainly breaking new ground. For catwalk fans, our fashion guru Laura Davies has been casting her eye over the new season collections and come up with hundreds of fabulous ‘must have’ buys available right here on our doorstep. And as ever, we’ve got page after page of party pictures and ‘real life’ stories about your family and friends. So here’s to another great issue. It’s our moment together. And yes, our success really is your success too!
CHRIS CAMPBELL
PROPERTY EDITOR 01792 545564 chris.campbell@swwmedia.co.uk
SWA NSE A
LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk
JUNE 2016 £2.95
136
PETER SLEE
EDITOR
01792 545530 peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk @PeterSlee56
Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife
Editor'sPageJune.indd 1
Hair and make-up must-haves!
STEP INSIDE Luxury homes to wow you!
Everything you need for an absolutely...
PERFECT SUMMER!
GREAT FOOD
The best recipes and restaurants
WHITE WASH! Serve up looks for Wimbledon
06 06 9 771750 843018 9 771750 843018
ON THE COVER F&F Rib Slvless Button Stripe £10, F&F Matelow Skirt Red £18, F&F Round Buckle Block Sandal Blk £20. All at TescoExtra, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach
ALISTAIR CORBETT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER 01792 545573 alistair.corbett@swwmedia.co.uk
5/20/2016 9:36:54 AM
Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS (FROM PAGE 210)
parc spa stradey park hotel
232 AWARDS DINNER
230
REUNION DINNER
Llanelli’s hidden gem, come and see for yourself, book an appointment today
winner of the ‘Welsh Spa of the Year’ award
226
WEDDING CELEBRATION
A wide range of treatments and relaxing spa bathing rituals available
224
CHARITY EVENING
2 10 DINNER EVENING
Our highly trained therapists now offer Oncology massage, providing a complete relaxing experience for cancer patients
Stradey GWESTY PARC Y
PARK HOTEL
HHHH
Stradey Park Hotel & parc spa, Llanelli, SA15 4HA
2 18 CHARITY BALL
t: 01554 758171
e: spa@stradeyparkhotel.com www.stradeyparkhotel.com
www.swansealife.co.uk | 11
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Advertising Feature
Introducing Mulberry House by Oldwalls
WHAT IS MULBERRY HOUSE? Opening its doors for the first time this summer, Mulberry House by Oldwalls is the perfect retreat if you’re looking for the ultimate mini break destination this summer. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the award winning wedding venue at the heart of Gower, Mulberry House sleeps from six to ten people with three luxurious en-suite double bedrooms and two double sofa beds located in the stylish living area of the cottage. In keeping with Oldwalls’ signature luxury standards, there’s a fully equipped farmhouse kitchen, a private terrace set within 5 acres of grounds, BBQ area and hot tub. Plus all the amenities you’d
expect from a five-star hotel including complimentary Wi-Fi, Sonus music system and Netflix.
CAN I STAY AT MULBERRY HOUSE? If you have your big day booked at this iconic wedding venue you can now add Mulberry House to your package for the night before your big day, on the night of the wedding or the day after if you want to extend the fun. Unlike the accommodation at Oldwalls which is exclusive to wedding and special event guests, Mulberry House is also available to the general market too – so whether you’re looking for a romantic couples’ retreat, celebrating a special occasion or simply want to getaway to the countryside, Mulberry House by Oldwalls is the perfect solution.
Call Oldwalls direct on 01792 391468 to book or visit www.oldwallsgower.com for details Untitled-2 1
5/20/2016 2:51:21 PM
Fashion
FASHION FLASH (page 15) WIMBLEDON WHITES (page 16) SHADES OF SUMMER (page 30) LICENCE TO THRILL! (page 38)
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R U O T U O ASK AB
D R A REW D CAR
Mumbles
Clever Clothes at Sensible Prices We look forward to showing you our SUMMER collections
Tunic from the CAPRI collection
516 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles
|
Tel: 01792 366133 ŠLW
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FASHION
FA S H I O N F L A S H W I T H
L AU R A
DAV I E S
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
1 2
4
MONOCHROME MATTERS
3
BEACH READY
5
Make a mark in monochrome with these striking black and white designs...
Head poolside with this stunning Geo eyelet swimsuit, £28,, which comes with a matching kaftan, £26, Next, Morfa Retail Park
6
FLORAL CO-ORDS
1. Posh Panama: Celia Hat, £45, Hobbs, John Lewis, Cardiff 2. Daisy chain: Gold Tone Acrylic Flower Necklace, £16, Next, Parc Fforestfach 3. Bohemian maxi: Dress, £179.95, Madeleine, www.madeleine.co.uk 4. A shore thing: Linen Breton Jumper, £98, Jigsaw, www.jigsaw-online.com 5. Petal Power: Kate Spade Ladies’ Metro Mini Watch, £179, Watchshop, www.watchshop.com 6. Top tunic: Layla Print Dress, £89, Phase Eight, Debenhams, Swansea
GOOD NIGHT LOOK... The pyjama trend has been taking the fashion world by storm. But I bet you didn’t think of layering your lacy slip dress with a shirt underneath. Or wearing it with sunglasses!
Co-ords are perfect for summer and these floral blazer and trousers are the cream of the crop on a summer’s evening. Jacket, £55, trousers, £40, Asos.com
GET THE LOOK
This is one hot look! Sunglasses, £8; White Shirt: £20; Mink Lace Slip Dress, £38; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
FRINGING
We love this mini green stylish fringe trim leather bag which is perfect for carrying all your summer essentials, £18, River Island, Swansea
IN bloom
STRAWBERRY FIELDS?
Perfect florals for summer...
It’s that time of year again — Wimbledon season. This sterling silver pave strawberry pendant will look ace against your whites. £40, Pandora, Swansea
3 1 4
2
1. Dress, £39, Miss Selfridge, Swansea 2. Flower Bouquet Cuff Bracelet, £6, Accessorize, Swansea 3. Hydrangea Mini Turnlock Handbag, £48, Cath Kidston, Cardiff 4. Calista Burnout Fit & Flare Dress, £150, Phase Eight, Swansea
If you loved the floor-skimming frocks seen at Tommy Hilfiger’s totally tropical spring show, you’re going to want to add East’s stunning Japaneseinspired silk dress to your holiday shopping list. Available in blue or orange, the Yumiko Maxi Dress, £189, www.east.co.uk.
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GAME SET MAKE SURE YOU ARE WIMBLEDON READY IN YOUR WHITES.
Dress, £65, River Island, Swansea
Ariana Grande For Lipsy Thick Thin Cold Shoulder Dress, £50, House of Fraser, Cardiff
Lace Shift Dress, £40, Wallis at Outfit, Morfa Retail Park
Autograph Dress, £89, M&S, Swansea
Heels, £55, River Island, Swansea Bag, £42, Asos.com White culottes, £32, Next, Parc Trostre
Jumpsuit, £65, M&S, Parc Fforestfach
White Bell Sleeve Dress £26 White Crochet Waistcoat £24, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
White tie front kimono, £24.99, New Look, Morfa Retail Park
Watch, £24.99, Next, Parc Fforestfach
16 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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MATCH
LAURA DAVIES ROUNDS UP SOME ACE TENNIS-INSPIRED PIECES... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx F&F Cut Waist Jumpsuit, £28, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach
J By Jasper Conran White Broderie Shell Top, £38, Debenhams, Swansea
Lace Overlay Midi Skater Skirt, £45, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
Top, £36, Top Shop, Swansea
Floppy hat, £15, Accessorize, Swansea J by Jasper Conran White cut-out high court shoes, £49, Debenhams, Swansea
Lipsy Love Michelle Keegan Lace Co-Ord Halter Top, £35, Lipsy
White Premium Leather Peeptoe Mules £39.99, New Look, Swansea
Alba Lace Cami £55 Jennie Leather Platform Heels £99, Phase Eight, Debenhams, Swansea
Tessa Broderie Short, £55, Phase Eight, Swansea
White dome bag, £155, Michael Kors, Cardiff
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Girls Love your
Curves
Formal, Smart and Casual Wear Sizes 16 to 30 Stockists of: Zele, Chalou, Verpass, Q’neel, Mona Lisa, KJ Brand and more... Also stockists of Hats & Fascinators
Elite PLUS
at
Carmarthen
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29 Blue Street, Carmarthen
01267 232377
www.elitepluscymru.com
5/20/2016 8:41:49 AM
FASHION
SEASONAL COVER UPS
If there's one thing you need at time of year it is a midweight cover up or two. LAURA DAVIES looks at the cover ups you will be layering over everything from knits to sundresses, from now until September. Shopping lists at the ready, these are the jackets to slip into this season...
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
2.
@LawsDx
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
1.
In a departure from her usual ‘all things bright and flesh-baring’ mantra, Donatella Versace sent out a parade of boxy safari jackets in muddy colours at the start of her SS16 show, and now we’re seeing lots of copycats on the high street. These muted, multi-pocket jackets, in suede or linen, look great over a denim shirt, dungarees, or one of this season’s many other denim incarnations.
1. Autograph Pure Linen 4 Pocket Belted Jacket, £79; Twiggy Ikat Print Blouse, £35; Twiggy Abstract Print Straight Leg Trousers, £35; Autograph Leather Across Body Bag, £69, all M&S, Swansea 2. Collection L Linen Look Jacket, currently reduced to £23.99 from £39.99, WITT International, www.witt-international.co.uk
THE SOFT SELL Every wardrobe needs a crisp, gabardine double-breasted trench, but come spring, there’s a lot to be said for the classic coat’s softer sister. An unstructured trench can be worn unbuttoned, letting your outfit underneath have more of the limelight, and if you choose a pretty pastel rather than traditional stone, it’ll be dressy enough to wear over wedding outfits, too.
2.
1. 1. Nick Verreos Yellow Waterfall Mac, £63, QVC,www.qvcuk.com 2. Anthropologie Rose Trench, £128, www.anthropologie.com
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FASHION
SPORT RELIEF
1.
Every wardrobe needs a crisp, gabardine double-breasted trench, but come spring, there’s a lot to be said for the classic coat’s softer sister. An unstructured trench can be worn unbuttoned, letting your outfit underneath have more of the limelight, and if you choose a pretty pastel rather than traditional stone, it’ll be dressy enough to wear over wedding outfits, too. 2.
1. Mademoiselle R Green Leather Bomber Jacket, £149, La Redoute, www.laredoute.co.uk 2. Alba Hoodie, £155; Lorena Trousers, £125, Related Apparel, www.relatedapparel.com
TAKE THE TROPHY 1.
Some coats you want to blend in with just about any outfit. Others, you want to hold their own, and that’s where the ‘trophy’ jacket comes in. Saturated with embroidery, beading, embellishment, or all of the above, this is about as conspicuous as a cover-up gets - so it can be on the pricey side, but the simple shape and classic floral motifs ensure you’ll be wearing yours for years to come. 1. Essentiel Embroidered Trophy Jacket, £285, Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 2. V by Very Embroidered Trophy Jacket, currently reduced to £50 from £79, www.very.co.uk
2.
FLIGHTS OF FANCY 1.
Fast overtaking the biker as the coolgirl coat of choice, the flight jacket goes into overdrive this season, with embroidery, patches and all kinds of jazzy prints. We’re also detecting a definite nod to Grease’s Pink Ladies, so shoulder-robing is a must if you’re plumping for a rose-toned bomber arm holes are SO last year. 1. Miss Selfridge Black Bomber Jacket, £49, Miss Selfridge, Swansea 2. Topshop Parrot Print MA1 Bomber Jacket, £60, Top Shop, Swansea
20 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 9:44:39 AM
From reds, oranges, pinks and yellow’s, LAURA DAVIES picks out the heels that rival any summer sunset... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk @LawsDx
Shoes, £49, Top Shop, Swansea Bright Orange Pointed Court Shoes, £19.99, New Look, Swansea
PALMA POINT SHOE, £18, Very.co.uk
Madia heels, £70, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea Act heel, £55, Office, Swansea
Platform sandals, £24.99 H&M, £24.99, Swansea
DENEUVE Red From BIBA, £75 £75, House of Fraser, Cardiff
Neila, £68, Aldo, www.aldoshoes.com
Carvela Gabriel Caged Stiletto Sandals, £120,, John Lewis, Cardiff
Shoes, £60, River Island, Swansea
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FASHION
BOTANICAL
BRIGHTS This summer gain inspiration from the tropical rainforests. Embrace the heat in floaty fabrics, bright colours, and bold botanical and palm prints. LAURA DAVIES picks out her top High Street prints... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Palm Print Midi Dress, £39, M&Co, Cardiiff Swimsuit, £35, M&S, Swansea
Dipped hem swing tip, £32, Very.co.uk
Cosima Silk Maxi Skirt, £85, Phase Eight, Swansea Printed jumpsuit £26, Next, Morfa Retail Park
Orange Leaf Print Bardot Neck Top, £12, New Look, Parc Fforestfach
Pineapple Stud Earrings, £1.90, Accessorize, Swansea
Collection Weekend by John Lewis Palm Tree Clutch Bag, £39, John Lewis, Cardiff 22 | www.swansealife.co.uk
FashionDPS.indd 1
Elsie Espadrilles, £110, L.K. Bennett, Cardiff
5/20/2016 9:47:23 AM
FASHION Jumpsuit, £39, Top Shop, Swansea
Tropical Print Cami, £28, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre
Tropical Jersey Pants, £40, Lookagain.co.uk
Yellow Sequin Pineapple Clutch Bag, £19.99, New Look, Swansea
Mauritus Pleated Maxi Dress, £109, Coast, Swansea
Tropical Print Trousers, £30, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre
Halter Wide-leg jumpsuit, £65, SimplyBe.co.uk
Midi Dress £35, Wedge Sandals £35, M&Co, Cardiff
Jungle Embellished Kaftan, £38, Debenhams, Swansea
Red Herring Top, £28, Debenhams, Swansea
Biba Jungle print kimono dress, £99, House of Fraser, Cardiff
FashionDPS.indd 2
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Foiled Leaf Plunge Suit, £42, Debenhams, Swansea www.swansealife.co.uk | 23
5/20/2016 9:47:59 AM
Retro chic flare Joseph Ribkoff dress, from a selection at Crysalis, Gorseinon
24 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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FEEL THE HEAT! From poolside dresses to lavish bikinis and cool summer eveningwear, LAURA DAVIES takes her pick of some hot seasonal styles... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
www.swansealife.co.uk | 25
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Swimsuit £55, Black hat £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff
26 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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Dress, ÂŁ35, River Island, Swansea
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RI Studio, ÂŁ75, River Island, Swansea
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Pleated jumpsuit, ÂŁ75, Next, Swansea
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FASHION
£7.99, New Look, Parc Trostre
£6.99, Top Shop, Swansea
£7.99, New Look, Swansea
£12.99, M&Co, Cardiff
£15, Next, Parc Fforestfach
£15, Next, Swansea
£18, M&S, Swansea
£2.50, Primark, Swansea £18, Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com
£18, Oliver Bonas, www.oliverbonas.com
SHADES OF SUMMER! £30, Dune, Debenhams, Swansea
Whether you like classic aviators or like something a little bit more funky, LAURA DAVIES has just the pair for you. And just in time for summer! laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
£114, Michael Kors at the Optic Shop, Swansea
£135 Furla.com
£155, Ray Ban, www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
£30, Dune, Debenhams, Swansea
£208, Prada at johnlewis.co.uk
£247, Miu Miu at www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
30
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Floozie by Frost French Beach Bag, £25, Debenhams, Swansea
Printed Pom Pom Handbag, £19.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre
Half Moon Basket Bag, £32.50, White Stuff, Cardiff
LIFE’S A BEACH Be beach ready with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of sizzling beach bags... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Multi Afrobeat pink canvas bag, £14, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Ikat Beach Bag, £22, Very.co.uk
Weave bag, £16, Matalan, Morriston
Summerbag Beach Bag, £19.95 , Joules, Mumbles
Bag, £30, Asos.com
Rope Handle Bag, £15, BHS, Swansea
Suzie Wow Embellished Flower Tote Bag, £35, Accessorize, Swansea
Pom Pom bag, £9, Primark, Swansea
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FASHION
Here comes the (high street) bride! You’ve found your soulmate so the next most important thing is the dress! Whether you choose a traditional perfect lace gown, short but sweet dress, chilled beach frock, or a fun-filled Vegas-style number LAURA DAVIES has picked out your High Street dress wedding ...and a few bridal accessories on the side. laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Bella Keyhole Wedding Dress, £165, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Maeve Sequin Wedding Dress, £595, Phase Eight, Debenhams, Swansea
Thomas Sabo Glam & Soul Infinity Heart Necklace, £89, Tyler Jenkins, Swansea
Floozie By Frostfrench Pearl Circle Heart Clutch, £30, Debenhams, Swansea
Bridal Lace Garter, £4 George at Asda, £4, Parc Trostre, Llanelli
Cressida Wedding Dress, £395, Phase Eight, Swansea
Jewel Trim Peep Toe, £110, Phase Eight, Swansea
Ted Baker Naiss Embellished Open Toe High Heel Sandals, £150, John Lewis, Cardiff
Silver Diamante Handle Purse Bag, £24.99, Quiz, Swansea
All Over Embellished Cami Maxi Dress £150, Asos.com
32 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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FASHION
Alice Wedding Dress, £150, BHS, Swansea Giovanna Embellished Dress £595, Evangeline Dress £395, Selma Lace Dress £275, Flora Dress £275, Josefina Wedding Dress £495, Phase Eight
£250, Asos.com
Lace silk Cami Sleep Set, £25, BHS, Swansea
Margerite, £350, Debenhams, Swansea
Bella Keyhole Wedding Dress, £165, BHS, Swansea
Farah Bridal Dress, £499, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Tiara, £10, River Island, Swansea
Asos Bridal Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress, £160, Asos.com
Mylene heel, £80, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea
Lorelea gown, £295, Debenhams, Swansea
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FASHION
Contrast trim floppy hat, £25, SimplyBe.co.uk
Bright Braid Floppy Hat, £15, Accessorize, Swansea
Navy Aztec Print Trim Fedora £9.99, New Look, Morfa Retail Park
Sally stripe sunhat, £25, Phase Eight, Swansea
Floppy hat, £14, Next, Parc Fforestfach
HATS OFF TO
SUMMER Floral Bloom Fedora, £39.95, Barbour, Cardiff
Hailey sun hat, £29, Phase Eight, Swansea
Cut out Navy hat, £22, Debenhams, Swansea
The sun has got his hat on, but have you? LAURA DAVIES rounds up summer sun hats... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
Hello Sunshine Floppy Hat, £24, OliverBonas.com
@LawsDx
Pool Hat, £25, Seasalt Cornwall, John Lewis, Cardiff
Mermaid Hair Don’t Care slogan Sun Hat, £20, Asos.com
Aztec Straw Hat, £8, George at Asda, Parc Trostre and Llansamlet
M&S Collection Monochrom Straw Hat, £18, M&S, Parc Trostre
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FASHION
Pom pom leather sandals, £49.99, Zara, Swansea
Pom Pom satin cuff, £18, Asos.com
Orange Woven Aztec Bucket Bag, £15.99, New Look, Swansea
Beaded Pom Pom Necklace, £9.99, New Look, Swansea
PICK UP A POM POM! It’s the trend guaranteed to put a smile on your face this summer. LAURA DAVIES looks at the fluffy accessories...
Faux fur pom pom bag charm, £8.90, Accessorize, Swansea
Epommy clutch, £60, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea
£70, River Island, Swansea
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk @LawsDx
Metallic Fabric Ball Drop,£8.50, Top Shop, Swansea
Bobble Heel, £22, Primark, Swansea
Pom pom sandals, £38, Next, Morfa Retail Park
Silk blend pom pom scarf, £35, East
£18, Asos.com
Embroidered mini festival bag, £15, Simply Be
www.swansealife.co.uk | 35
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FASHION
SKIRTING
The sun is out, so it’s time to get those pins out! LAURA DAVIES picks out a selection of skirts that are perfect for summer...
Rivena Hi Low Skirt, £179, Coast, Debenhams, Swansea
Textured Wrap Pencil Skirt, £38, Oasis at Outfit, Morfa Retail Park
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Paisley Printed Skirt, £35, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre Denim Split Front Midi Skirt, £24, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
Lucy Stripe Skirt, £79, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Spot print skirt, £55, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Retail Park Skirt, £49, Miss Selfridge, Swansea
Ultimate Prom Skirt In Jacquard, £75, Asos.com
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Pleated Skirt In Stripe, £35, Asos.com
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Tropical Pencil Skirt, £40, Oasis, Debenhams, Swansea
5/20/2016 9:58:59 AM
FASHION
£65, River Island, Swansea
Floral skirt, £49.50, M&S, Swansea
Ariana Grande For Lipsy Stripe Mini Skater Skirt, £38, House of Fraser, Cardiff
Damsel in a dress Abstract Full Skirt, £169, John Lewis, Cardiff
Adeline Print Cotton Skirt, £79, Phase Eight , Swansea Ivory Floral Burnout Skirt, £89, Mint Velvet, John Lewis, Cardiff
Skirt, £36, Top Shop, Swansea
Fluttering Reversible Skirt, £47.50, White Stuff, Cardiff
AROUND
Lace full midi skirt, £39, Very.co.uk
Leaf print column skirt, £49, Warehouse, Debenhams, Swansea
Yellow tie waist skirt, £17.99, New Look, Swansea
Embroidery skirt, £39.99, Zara, Swansea
Lurex pleated skirt, £42, Next, Parc Fforestfach
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LICENCE TO THRILL The countdown is on to our very own Swansea Life Awards, so we know you will be looking for a new outfit for our James Bond themed ceremony on July 15. So for your eyes only, LAURA DAVIES looks to the celebrities at the BAFTA awards, to make sure you are red-carpet ready in time for Swansea’s social event of the year! laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Tom Hiddleston
Georgia May Foote
Amanda Holden
Samia Ghadie
Lucy Watson
Alesha Dixon
Katherine Jenkins
Justin Timberlake
38 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 10:01:02 AM
Michaela Coel
Rosie Leslie
Cush Jumbo
Sheridan Smith
GET THE LOOK! With LAURA DAVIES’ pick of stunning gowns...
Sam Faiers
Melista skirt, £150, Coast at Debenhams, Swansea
Sequin maxi dress, £99, Next, Parc Fforestfach
Michelle Keegan Maisie Williams
Kara Tointon
Victoria Pemdleton
Ariella Melina Lace Maxi Dress, £220, John Lewis, Cardiff
Ukulele dress, £156, LittleBlackDress.co.uk
Dusky Rose gown, £240, Adrianna Pappell, House at Fraser, Cardiff
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Caroline Flack
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Helen George
Suranne Jones
Eleanor Tomlinson
Fearne Cotton
Helen McCrory
Katherine Ryan
Francis Lace Dress, £275, Phase Eight, Swansea
Ayanna Dress, £169, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Ariana Grande For Lipsy Cutout Body Maxi Dress, £68, House of Fraser, Cardiff
Antibes Dress, £350, Phase Eight, Debenhams, Swansea
MORE RED CARPET GOWNS...
Mesh Frill Maxi Dress, £55, Very.co.uk Freesia Maxi Dress, £129, Monsoon, Parc Trostre Sapphire For Wallis Monochrome Maxi Dress, £75, Walis, Outfit, Morfa Retai Park
WHAT: Swansea Life Awards WHEN: Friday, July 15 AT: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea FOR TICKETS: (available now) Paul Carter, 01792 545518/07725 499701 Email: paul.carter@swwmedia.co.uk
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FASHION
THE 60S LOOK
THE CASUAL LOOK
THE DETAILED OPTION
Clarks, Parc Fforestfach, £44
Leather shoes, Etsy.com £141.44
H&M, Swansea, £59
THE LOAFER Jeff Banks Formal Tassel Loafers, £85, Debenhams, Swansea
THE
WEDDING
THE LOAFER Aldo, £75
EDIT ( for him)
peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
THE MIXED BROGUE
THE SMART LOOK
THE SUEDE BROGUE
Made in England Cedric Suede Brogue, £209, John Lewis, Cardiff
Dorset leather shoe, £76, Clarks, Swansea
Dune, Swansea, £90
THE TOE CAP
THE TRADITIONAL
THE TWO TONER
Office, Swansea, £105
Burton, Swansea, £39.99
House of Fraser, Cardiff, £49 down from £125
www.swansealife.co.uk | 41
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FashionSingle.indd 1
Cat Print Dress, £16-£18, M&Co, Cardiff Bold Floral Print Dress, from £22, BHS, Swansea
Broderie sun dress from £16, Next, Parc Fforestfach
Octavia Dress £34-£36, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Blue Floral Dress with YellowTie, £18, M&S Parc Trostre
Fruit Print Dress with BlueTie, £18, M&SA, Swansea
Holly Willoughby Bumble Bee Dress and Knicker, £18, BHS, Swansea
Broderie sun dress from £16, Next, Swansea
Sibillia Dress, £30, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
ROYAL GARDEN PARTY
Broderie Dress and Hat Set £12, M&Co, Cardiff
White/mint elephant woven dress and knicker, £10, cardigan, £7, Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
42 | www.swansealife.co.uk
5/20/2016 10:03:52 AM
To mark the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations on June 12, LAURA DAVIES picks out the best royal garden party outfits for your little princes and princesses... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Girl: Dress £25; Shoes £20, Hat, £10; Braclets, £4 Boy: Suit jacket £40; Trousers £20; shirt £18; Shoes £26, both River Island, Swansea Cornwall Check Short Sleeve Shirt, £16, Fat Face, Mumbles Car print shirt, £9, Next, Swansea
William Waistcoat, £18, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Print shirt from £11, Next, Parc Fforestfach
Elephant Print Shirt, From £11, BHS, Swansea
River Island, Swansea
Star print shirt, £11, Next, Parc Trostre
Patrick Palm Shirt and Bow, £16, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Bryce Shark Print Shir, from £23, Joules, Mumbles
Shirt, £12, Trousers £20, Hat £8, River Island, Swansea
Short Sleeve Check Shirt, £7-£8, M&Co, Cardiff
www.swansealife.co.uk | 43
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SPECIALISING IN ALL ASPECTS ON HAIRDRESSING INCLUDING COLOURING CUTTING AND FOILS
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Hair &
beauty
BEAUTY NEWS (from page 47) WE LOVE IT! (page 58) TRIED & TESTED (page 60) LARA JOHNSON (page 64)
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achieve a natural beauty that looks untouched with Dr alan Jones
Defy Time
30 years experience as a GP 15 years as a Cosmetic Doctor
Member of: • British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) • British Association of Body Sculpting (BABS) • British Association of Sclerotherapy (BAS) • HIW registered Clinic • GMC registered
The extent and diversity of these treatments, together with our expertise, enables us to create a bespoke treatment for each individual. Never before has it been possible to tailor the treatment so specifically to suit your individual needs. Free no obligation consultation
The range of treatment offered at our clinic has certainly benefited from Dr Jones’ continued enthusiasm for attending conferences world-wide.
466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DZ • 01792 208466 Private Car Park • www.defy-time.co.uk gift vouchers available
turn your back on ageing... ©LW
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HAIR & BEAUTY
BEAUTY NEWS W I T H
L AU R A
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
DAV I E S @LawsDx
P A RT O N E
Jo Malone London, launch its Black Cedarwood and Juniper Cologne — a smoky cologne with notes of chilli and cumin which is particularly seductive and sensual. 30ml, £42 and 100ml, £86; Jo Malone, Cardiff
GET ACTIVE!
Origins introduces its new active body collection — all of which are designed for people keeping fit. All three products are the perfect treat for anyone taking part in the Swansea Half Marathon and Triathlon. Warm Down Warming Lava scrub — a water-activated heating lava scrub that addresses three key needs after a workout – it detoxifies and exfoliates skin while also promoting relaxation for sore muscles, £29 • Shower Off Exfoliating Body Wash — a refreshing cooling post-workout scrub cleanser designed to refine and deeply purify the skin by removing perspiration and dirt. It exfoliates roughness, leaving skin smooth and refreshingly clean, £20 • Hit Refres Cooling Moisturizer with Hawaiian Mineral Water, is a lightweight cooling body moisturiser designed to instantly replenish skin’s hydration post-workout. The refreshing waterbased cream gel absorbs immediately to help hydrate skin and provides 24 hours of continuous moisturisation, £28 All available from Origins at John Lewis, Cardiff or www.origins.co.uk.
NEW CLINIQUE POP LIP AND CHEEK OIL
The latest addition to the Pop family is this hybrid lip and cheek oil. Available in four summer fresh shades, this oil provides the perfect amount of colour. It is easy to use, is buildable and is perfect for adding just a pop of colour! Available from June 10, £16, Clinique, Boots, Swansea
HAIR CARE Just in time for summer, Philip Kingsley is launching a limited edition Elderflower & Rhubarb fragranced version of the award-winning hero product, Elasticizer which was originally created for Audrey Hepburn.
NEW CANDLE COLLECTION Bring summer inside your home with Ted Baker’s Athens Candle and Diffuser — a stunning blend of Fig and Olive Blossom. Ted Baker candles (£28) and diffusers (£35) are also available online at John Lewis
SMART CLEANSE MICELLAR WATER Elemis’ new refreshing and clarifying micellar water quickly and effectively cleanses the skin, removing make-up and the daily build-up of skin pollutants. Infused with delicately-scented Organic English Rose water and soothing anti-oxidant rich Chamomile, its gentleness makes it particularly suited to sensitive skin, £24, 200ml, Monks Spa, Machynys, Llanelli
At 75ml, it’s the perfect size for travelling, £19, M&S, Swansea
Clinique SunKissed Face Gelee This new gel texture complexion enhancer provides a modern, healthy and flawless look that provides instant warmth on the go while staying extremely lightweight and refreshing. It can be applied alone, all over the face or in small areas for a soft, golden look. Clinique SunKissed Face Gelee, £23; Boots and Debenhams Swansea
“Elemis’ new refreshing and clarifying micellar water quickly and effectively cleanses the skin”
SUMMER AFTERNOON Nothing shouts sunny British summer than the latest Jo Malone London collection. Summer Afternoon Marthe Armitage Limited Edition Home Collection is a collaboration with Marthe Armitage, an artist and wallpaper designer who has been living and working in London for 60 years. Her hand-printed Summer Afternoon design decorates the boxes and bottles in this limited collection which incudes Red Roses Drawer Liners, (set of four) £36; Green Tomato Leaf Home Candle 200g, £44; Nectarine Blossom and Honey Glass Decanter 200ml, £56; and a wrapped soap collection, (set of four 50g each) £30; all available in June at Jo Malone, Cardiff
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75%
of customers who attended the HYDRA FACIAL launch party rebooked for a course straight after their trial...
Do you have dry/damaged skin? fine lines? Unwanted blackheads and spots? Hydra facial is the BRAND NEW latest generation of skin resurfacing technology and here at the Sun Lounge Beauty Centre.
H IMMEDIATE RESULTS H H EFFORTLESS AND PAINLESS H
Six facials in one treatment Healthy skin isn’t a luxury... it’s a necessity
DETOX CLEANSING AND EXFOLIATION BRIGHTENING AGENT EXTRACTION HYDRATION REJUVENATION HHHHH Christine Davies reviewed The Sun Lounge Beauty & Tanning Centre • 5 star • April 14 “Had a hydra facial yesterday. What an amazing treatment! My skin is FAB-U-LOUS this morning. Highly recommend. Wonderful welcome and a cheeky glass of champagne.”
01792 775558 Family run business. Est. 2000
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ll in to Please ca r a full fo our Salon st. price li
www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk facebook.com/MorristonSunLounge 52 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8BW
5/20/2016 8:42:49 AM
HAIR & BEAUTY
BEAUTY NEWS W I T H
L AU R A
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
DAV I E S @LawsDx
P A RT T W O
“Make everyday a beach day.” Bobbi’s Beach Collection captures the atmosphere and essence of summer. Featuring the iconic Beach Fragrance and a selection of Beach cult favourites, the collection also introduces all-new, skin-softening Beach Hand Wash. However you wear it, this Jasmine, Sea Spray and Mandarin-infused scent is light and fresh enough to wear every day and perfect for an instant getaway.
“Bobbi’s Beach Collection captures the atmosphere and essence of summer.”
Includes: Limited Edition Beach Hand Wash, £22; Beach Hand & Body Lotion, £22; Beach Shower Gel, £22;Beach Body Scrub, £25; Beach Body Oil, £25; Beach Fragrance, £50; all Bobbi Brown, House of Fraser, Cardiff
TAN IN!
St Tropez will launch its Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion Golden Glow in a Medium shade, taking the brand’s most convenient in shower formulation and amping it up a notch or two, to deliver a deeper and longer lasting sun-kissed glow gradually throughout the day. And from June 1 to May next year, it will also donate 25p from the sale of every lotion with the Marie Curie logo on at Superdrug stores, to the charity, £14.50, Superdrug, Swansea
Introducing Bourjois Paris Tropical Festival Summer Look 2016, a collision of vibrant colours that move to a cool summer beat. Electric turquoise blue, deep matte denim blue and exotic hot fuchsia twisted with a vibrant golden khaki.
Bare Minerals launch its Skinsorials Skincare range — a sumptuous three-part beauty ritual designed to deliver a personal and customisable sensory experience to pamper your skin. Launching with three essential pillars —purify, empower, moisturise —to promote beautifully resilient, younger and healthier looking skin with every use. Products range from £17-£44, Debenhams, Swansea
PURIFY Pure Plush Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam, £18; Clay Chameleon Transforming Purifying Cleanser, £18; Blemish Remedy AntiImperfection Treatment Gelée Cleanser, £17; Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, £22.
MOISTURISE True Oasis Oil-Free Replenishing Gel Cream, £29; Smart Combination Smoothing Lightweight Emulsion, £30; Bare Haeven Essential Moisturising Soft Cream, £30; Butter Drench Restorative Rich Cream, £32, Debenhams, Swansea
EMPOWER
BARE MINERALS
Available: Delice De Poudre Chocolate Bronzing Powder, £7.99; Contour Clubbing Waterproof Eye Pencil, £4.99 (in Denim pulse, Sea blue, and So Kaki’smatique); Volume Clubbing Mascara, £7.99 in Ultra Black; Color Boost Lip Crayon, £7.99 in Lolli Poppy; Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish, £5.99 each (In Kakidyllic and Fuchsianista) available from June 8 at Superdrug and Boots, Swansea
Skin Longevity Vital Power Infusion, £44
TOTALLY TROPICAL
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THERE’S STYLISTS AND THEN THERE’S
BRIAN BROWN
BRIAN BROWN SALON 1 BELEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ • TEL: 01792 301901
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HAIR & BEAUTY
BEAUTY NEWS W I T H
L AU R A
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
DAV I E S @LawsDx
P A RT T H R E E
SUMMER BLISS Lancome’s new summer collection features effortless essentials to beautify the complexion and provides the perfect partners to illuminate the face and hands. It features: Belle de Teint Liquid Glow Trio, £33, (in three buildable shades for a madeto-measure, sun-kissed skin) Belle de Teint Powder Glow Trio, £35, (available in two harmonies — Belle de Vanille, designed for blondes and Belle de Bronze, dedicated to brunettes). Hypnôse Palette, £38; Ombre Hypnôse Stylo, £20; Shine Lover, £22; (in three colours); Vernis in Love, £13.50, all Lancome, Debenhams, Swansea
SUGAR SWEET
Following the success of its Sugar Sweet bath and body collection, Ted Baker has launched its new Sugar Sweet Butterfly range which includes a Body Spray, £7; Shimmer Soufflé, £10; Body Wash, £8; Lip Balm, £5, exclusive to Boots, Swansea, Parc Fforestfach
Awaken to a sweet new sensation: We love MAC’s Tendertalk Lip Balm, a smart lip conditioner that creates a personalised tint while keeping lips soft and moisturised. Available in five shades from sheer pink to corals, red and plums, £17.50, MAC, Cardiff
CHRIS CHANG China’s most outlandish fashion designer puts an acid-soaked twist on her modern MAC collection, featuring a vivid kaleidoscope of cutting-edge colour, inspired by the ancient Chinese art form Kunqu. Surreal hues of Lipstick, Cream Colour Base and Eye Shadow, and specially designed packaging, are saturated in her signature dramatic flair. From £14 (eyeshadow) to £24 (Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed) MAC, Cardiff
www.swansealife.co.uk | 51
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SETTING THE BENCHMARK FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE
Lamberts Road | SA1 Waterfront | Swansea |
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IS YOUR SMILE SUFFERING THE EFFECTS OF A LONG, HARD SEASON?
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PARKWAY CLINIC: A NAME YOU CAN TRUST...
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HAIR & BEAUTY
GET THE RED CARPET GLOW!
First stage: applying the ‘fire’
Hollywood calls it “The Red Carpet Treatment” - but what exactly is this sought-after facial that everyone is talking about? LAURA DAVIES heads to The Grove Skin Clinic in Gowerton to try out the Fire and Ice facial... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
I must admit I have always been sceptical of treatments that promise the sun and the moon. So when I hear about the iS Clinical Fire and Ice facial, which has been dubbed the red carpet treatment, for its instant brightening, tightening and smoothing effects, I can hardly say no! I head to The Grove Skin Clinic in Gowerton, with an open mind, while at the same time secretly hoping that I will leave with gorgeous flawless camera-ready skin, just like the Hollywood stars.
Yes, I know what you are thinking. Fire and Ice? Sounds a little scary. I must admit, I initially thought the same. Would they somehow set fire to my face and then add ice to cool my face down? I didn’t know what to expect but I am glad to say they didn’t go to such extremes. It certainly gives a similar sensation but was a lot less scarier than it sounded. The Fire and Ice Facial is an intensive clinical treatment designed to resurface the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and soften, while encouraging cellular renewal. And the most important part — it is very quick. It is done within 45 minutes and can even be done in a lunch hour or at the end of the day. The results are instant and are as close as you get to a chemical peel without having to take time off work. No wonder it’s the secret weapon in the beauty arsenal of some of Hollywood’s top names, including Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow. Can it really be that good? My therapist Cath performs my treatment and makes me feel completely relaxed. She talks me through each step of the treatment so I don’t get any nasty surprises.
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HAIR & BEAUTY
WHAT IS IT? The iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial has been coveted as The A-List Celebrity Facial. This is a results driven facial with instant results and no downtime.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The treatment takes approximately 1 hour and leaves you with a fresh and clear complexion.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Second stage: applying the ‘ice’
Fire and Ice is a results-focused treatment with a reputation for being brisk and even slightly uncomfortable. Cath makes it clear that this is not a relaxing facial — it isn’t a long luxurious facial, where you get a shoulder rub and then left to have a little nap with soothing music. This is about getting instant results! Cath starts the facial by cleansing my face before adding the “Fire” — the Intensive Resurfacing Masque. She warns me that my face may itch, tingle or feel hot and it does all three, but very mildly. It is quite prickly and feels like I have a hot tingly cinnamon bun on my face. It smells like a Christmas candle and after a few minutes I am dying to give my face a good scratch. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, your therapist will judge how long to leave it on for. I had it on for seven minutes. After the initial prickly sensation, it did feel strangely pleasant but what I really liked was the fact I could feel it working. Cath tells me this is effectively a mild peel using glycolic acid and retinol to remove the top layer of the epidermis.
This clinical treatment is for those looking to resurface the skin, restore radiance, reduce fine lines and leave a smooth finish. Using a combination of masques and serums, this is an ideal facial for those with problem, damaged or dehydrated skin. Contrary to what you make think no open flames or actual ice is used during the iS CLINICAL Fire & Ice Facial! The fire/resurfacing masque provides a warm sensation whereas the ice/rejuvenating masque provides a cooling and soothing effect.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? £90 per session
AFTER AFFECTS With all facials, The Grove Skin Clinic advises to leave at least 12 hours before applying make-up. However Jane Iredale mineral make up is suitable to be applied after the facial. This is stocked in the clinic. Your face may go pink afterwards so we recommend you don’t have the treatment the day before a special event. Exercise or sun exposure is not recommended for 24 hours.
“It loosens the cellular cement and creates superficial trauma to the skin to boost collagen production,” she says. The worst part, ironically, is the period when Cath takes the mask off as it burns a little more as it reacts with water. My nose is stinging but the rest of my face feels fine. Cath says it is probably due to the fact that the skin around my nose area is probably my most troubled area, known for blogged pores. She then puts on the Ice to neutralise my skin. This is a rejuvenating mask with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid alongside herbal antioxidants and soothing aloe vera. It is refreshing and cooling and smells fresh and minty. I have this on for a further 10 minutes before Cath takes it off and applies a serum and massages a SPF lotion to my face. After reading some reviews about the treatment, I expect my face to look red — as if I had overdone it on the sunbeds. I do look slightly pink and the corners of my nose look quite rosy. Cath explains that for most people the pinkness dies down after about an hour, but you probably shouldn’t have the treatment on the day of an event. The next day my nose is a bit flaky but the rest of my face is glowing. A few days later my skin feels fantastic and is softer and firmer. My makeup glides on easy and it sits perfectly well. It is a dream. It is not greasy but has a perfect sunkised glow. It is ideal for any bride to be, although I would recommend trying it out a few times before the big day just in case. And it is great as a pick me up, or for a special event. Even a few weeks later my skin still feels great! The first five minutes were the most uncomfortable part of the treatment but it was not too overbearing. I would definitely consider having it again. And with the Swansea Life awards coming up next month I have the perfect excuse to treat myself!
Jodie Grove
the grove skin clinic Experts in skin health, aesthetics and advanced beauty 91 Sterry Road, Gowerton, Swansea. SA4 3BN Phone: 01792 447630 Website: www.thegroveskinclinic.co.uk E-mail: thegroveskinclinic@gmail.com 55
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Advertisement Feature
cutting it...
WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS UNDER ITS BELT, THE HAIR LOUNGE IS CONSTANTLY LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, CREATING THE MOST COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR CLIENTS AND OFFERING THE VERY LATEST STYLING AND COLOURING TECHNIQUES. True to its name, the award winning Hair Lounge offers a very special hairdressing environment. When you’re waiting for your colour to develop, you can relax in a stylish lounge with tub chairs, mood lighting, a TV, magazines, Wi-Fi and refreshments
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38 Ravenhill Rd, Swansea, SA5 5AW 01792 587444
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awards and accolades, including winning the Swansea Salon Battle in 2014 and Best Hair Salon in Swansea in the 2015 Swansea Life Awards. Most recently, The Hair Lounge was shortlisted as the best salon in Swansea in the 2016 Welsh National Hair and Beauty Awards.
cutting techniques discovered from ongoing training.” Marc himself has 14 years’ hairdressing experience under his belt and works as an assessor for Gower College, which gives him a unique insight into the hairdressing trade and what works best in hairdressing salons.
“We have some amazing things planned for the next couple of years”
While customer care is a key part of the salons’ success, Marc also ensures that his staff are up to date with the latest trends and styling techniques. “Several members of our team have their colour masters with Wella, Aveda and Goldwell, and each team member goes on a minimum of four external courses per year,” he says. “The teams from both salons meet up on a regular basis to share knowledge on new colour formulas that they have made, along with new
Product-wise, his salons use Olaplex, L’Oreal, TiGi, Wella, Goldwell, Matrix and many more. “The reason we use so many brands is so that we can pick and use the best depending on the clients needs,” he says. “We are very customer focused and understand that clients’ needs differ. That’s how we manage to create such bespoke looks. I believe this really shows in our work and we always receive such great feedback from our clients, in
72 New Road, Skewen, SA10 6HE 01792 812858 Join us on Facebook
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4k likes
person and on social media sites.” With the business still growing and new ideas being developed all the time, Marc and his team are excited about what will come next. “We are really looking forward to what the future holds for us all as we are always striving and pushing the standards higher within the salons,” he says. “”
We would like to introduce Sam …
Sam is an experienced stylist and colour technician who has achieved her colour degree with Wella. Sam has undergone extensive training in London and has worked in award winning salons from Mumbles to Cardiff Bay
5/20/2016 10:43:48 AM
HAIR & BEAUTY
SPRUCE UP YOUR MAKE-UP BAG
PERFECT TO PROTECT
Nude by Nature, Australia’s number one mineral make-up brand, has landed in the UK, bringing with it nutrient-infused foundations, powders and more. The Nude by Nature Essentials Starter Kit, £39, comprises a primer, concealer, foundation and bronzer. Asos.com
We all know the power of the mighty Protect and Perfect, but now No7 has come up with an even more effective serum. No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum, £27 is clinically proven not only to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but also make skin feel firmer,thanks to hibiscus extract, and even skin tone. Ideal for women aged 40-plus, the serum should be used twice a day under your day and night cream. Boots, Swansea
IT’S A STEAL!
Buy any two Elizabeth Arden products, one being skincare, at Debenhams up until June 12 and you’ll also take home a pretty Preen-designed make-up bag, filled with Arden minis worth £83, including the excellent new Eight Hour Oil — perfect for taking on holiday this summer, Debenhams, Swansea
THIS MONTH
WE LOVE
LIMITED EDITION
We love Philosophy Pure Grace Summer, a limited-edition fragrance, which is perfect for a summer’s day! £33, John Lewis, Cardiff
LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
DIY FACIAL
With two interchangeable heads, the Darphin L’Institut Sonic Facial Cleansing and Massaging Tool, £125, is like a facialist you can keep in your bathroom cabinet (wouldn’t that be handy?) Use the vibrating bristle head with a gel cleanser to thoroughly remove make-up and dirt, then follow with the stainless steel massaging head and moisturiser to boost circulation, hydrate and smooth lines. www.spacenk.com
@LawsDx
FLIRT WITH LIP DRINK
The perfect middle ground between lip care and lip colour, Jane Iredale introduces a juicy new shade of LipDrink in Flirt (warm sheer peachy pink) which is a nourishing and conditioning lip balm with SPF 15, £14, The Grove Skin Clinic, Gowerton
SET TO STAY
LOVE!
Here’s a budget-friendly way to get everything you need to try the mono make-up trend: worth £58, and available in Pink Glow or Warm Rose, these Inika Gift Sets contain a primer, lipstick, blusher and brush, all for just £19, Inika Pink Glow Gift Set, £19, www.inika.co.uk
Launched as a limited edition in 2012, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Rose & Lavender, £15.50, will become a permanent fixture. Exclusive to John Lewis from May, and nationwide from September, John Lewis, Cardiff
58 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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D O YO U WA N T STRAIGHTER TEETH? LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS, WITH SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FROM £27.30 PER MONTH*
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HAIR & BEAUTY
TRIED & TESTED LAURA DAVIES PUTS A RANGE OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO THE TEST laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Clarins Silver Ivory Iridescent Shadow, £19, Debenhams, Swansea
We put a pair of tangle-busting brushes to the test... Tangle Teezer Original Lemon Sherbet Limited Edition, £10.99, Boots, Swansea “I’ve heard lots about the Tangle Teezer, but this was the first time I’d ever used one - and I’m a complete convert. It doesn’t look all that - a lightweight plastic bean with two layers of spines - but the proof is in the brushing, and this tamed my dry hair with far fewer strokes than its rival and was a dream on my wet hair. Ergonomically designed to fit snugly in the palm, it feels like the extension of my hand that’s been missing. My barnet has definitely met its match!” 5/5
Wet Brush Shine, £14.99, LookFantastic.com “Designed to be used on wet or dry hair, the Wet Brush promises ‘no more pulling, tugging or pain’, thanks to IntelliFlex Bristles which are firm on one stroke, but give on the next. The soft grip handle is comfortable to hold, but on dry hair, the first tug through did hurt and it took quite a lot of brushing to detangle my frizzy mess. On wet hair, it’s much smoother, and the soft tips were gentle on my scalp.” 4/5
Silver eyeshadows that shine above the rest...
“This cream-to-powder eyeshadow is easy to apply, and a really flattering shade for any age. It works perfectly for daytime with a slick of mascara, but can easily be glammed up for the evening by adding an extra layer and some black eyeliner, or blended for a smoky effect. My only wish is that it lasted longer.” 4/5
Get to grips with a cheeky trio of peachy blushers... Bourjois Aqua Colour Fresh Blush in Cocori Corail, £8.99, Superdrug, Swansea “This makes a great, summer daytime blush as it’s sheer, but has a lovely coral-y colour, perfect for the sunshine. The gel formula glides on much like a primer and makes an interesting change from my usual dolly pink, but if you’re after really dense colour, you’ll need a powder.” 4/5
Rimmel London Colour Precise Liner, £5.99, Superdrug, Swansea “This fine-tipped pen does what it says on the tin, creating really precise lines both above and below the eyes. It lasts all day and doesn’t smudge or bleed into creases. If you want a liner that defines eyes but doesn’t stand out too much, this is the one for you.” 4/5
Shade Fusion Trio Blush in Peach Rose, £10.90, Kiko, www.kikocosmetics.com “I don’t wear much make-up, but my one concession is a strong blusher. While I was reluctant to swap my usual bold shade for this subtle blush, I was surprised by how much I liked it. Combining three pretty peach shades, the powder gave a delicate glow without being overpowering.” 4/5
MAC Eye Shadow in Electra, £13, MAC, Cardiff “This is the perfect Nineties girl band-inspired silver eyeshadow, really highly pigmented, so excellent for a big night out, rather than a casual daytime look. It works very well with lashings of mascara, for a full-on glam effect, and is very long lasting.” 5/5
Inika Certified Organic Eyeliner Black Caviar, £13.50, www.inika.co.uk “This vegan, organic product is completely natural but just as effective as other eyeliners and cleverly comes with its own sharpener. The formula is creamy in texture, meaning it glides on easily on the lower or upper lid - and stays put until you’re ready to take it off.” 4/5
“This vegan, organic product is completely natural but just as effective as other eyeliners - and cleverly comes with its own sharpener.”
Givenchy Couture Collection Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in Glorious Silver, £19, Escentual.com “This light silver cream is best applied with the tip of your little finger, and glides effortlessly across your whole lid. It’s pale enough for full coverage, and makes your eyelids glow, but you may want to layer it up for a bolder look. It stays put very well too, without too much slicking into the folds. A great little shadow.” 4/5
We have our eye on the latest eyeliners...
Laura Geller Beauty Baked Blush-N-Brighten in Pink Buttercream, £23, House of Fraser, Cardiff “If you’re after a radiant blush, you can’t go far wrong here. This baked powder delivers a unique colour and gave me just the right amount of glow. Weightless and silky, it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin, either.” 5/5
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner in Pitch Black, £18.50, House of Fraser, Cardiff “The eyeliner to beat, this gel-based pencil is all you need to create the perfect flick. The twist-up design and built-in sharpener are great, but the best part? The sweat and humidity-resistant formula means it stays in place until you want it gone.” 5/5
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HAIR & BEAUTY
MONOMANIA MAKE UP Think using the same colour on your eyes, cheeks and lips is a beauty no-no? The mono make-up trend will make you think twice - or should that be thrice? LAURA DAVIES finds out how it’s done... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
Received make-up wisdom decrees that you should only focus on one feature at a time - a smoky eye, a bold lip, etc - but there’s a red carpet trend that eschews that notion. As seen on Rihanna and model of the moment Gigi Hadid, the monochromatic look involves using one colour on the eyes, lips and cheeks, creating a beautifully ‘pulled together’ look. It’s foolproof when you are super-busy and unable to do a full face of make-up. Plus, it takes the guess work out of co-ordinating your look But it’s important to choose the best colour for you, of course. Here’s the expert advice on four shades that will have you catching monomania in no time...
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THE BRONZE AGE Tying in with this fashion’s current Nineties obsession, brown shades are best if you have a medium to dark skin tone, and either blue or green/hazel eyes. But always go for warmer tones; think bronze, golden and deep copper shades, as anything cooler can wash out the skin. On the eyes, use a palette that has a combination of satin, shimmer and matte colours. If you want to make the eyes more feline, use a darker tone on the outer corners in a V shape, and a lighter colour in the tear duct. Cheeks and skin should be enhanced with a bronzer, and if you have intensified the eyes, lips should be kept minimal and glossy. If you have kept the eyes neutral, then go for a stronger brown-toned lipstick, a la Rihanna.
1. Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Dulce De Leche, £22, John Lewis, Cardiff 2. Hourglass Creme-to-powder Bronze Duo Light, £40, www.spacenk.com 3. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity, £56, www.spacenk.com
@LawsDx
4
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Raspberry, £19.50, House of Fraser, Cardiff
IN THE PINK A fair-skinned complexion, blonde with blue eyes, traditionally suits a pink look. However, depending on the shade, you can make it right for any skin tone. For darker skin tones, you would need to move away from a pale pink and opt for something that’s vibrant and has a real kick. Pick a soft colour for your cheeks and eyes, something very feminine - almost peachy - and then up the colour on your lips for maximum impact. And lookout for multi-purpose cream products that you can double up with: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge comes in many shades and is fabulous as dual purpose. Laura Mercier’s Creme Cheek Colour is long-lasting and allows you to build on coverage for a soft, velvety finish.
Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Blaze, £21.50, John Lewis, Cardiff
4. MAC Eye Shadow in Texture, £13, MAC, Cardiff
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HAIR & BEAUTY
CORAL RIFF
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Orange shades, particularly soft coral, are really flattering on paler complexion ideally someone who has a fair to medium skin tone. The warm, brighter tones complement deep brown eyes beautifully. Keep eyes minimal, and focus on cheeks and lips. Use a sheer wash of colour on the eyes that you can double up as a blush.
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Using a lipstick as a blush is also fun. Pat it gently on the lips for a more sheer stain effect, and use your fingertips to apply a small amount on the cheeks, to give a nice flushed effect
Rihanna attending the JFENTY PUMA by Rihanna fashion show in New York
1. Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Folly, £26, www.urbanretreat.co.uk 2. Hourglass Opaque Rouge Lipstick in Riviera, £23, www.spacenk.com
Gigi Hadid
Surratt Artistique Eyeshadow in Cuivre, £16, www.urbanretreat.co.uk
THE GOLD STANDARD Foil-like gold lips were seen on the Prada spring catwalk, but for a mono metallic, look you want a warm, subtle shimmer all over. People with olive, bronzed and darker-toned skins, who are brunette with brown eyes, match perfectly with a gold glistening finish. A clear lip gloss with gold in it is the best way to take this look from catwalk to everyday wear, and you can use a hint on your cheeks, and a hint on the inner corners of your eyes or brow bones, too. RMS Lip2Cheek, £30, www.urbanretreat.co.uk
Fab for summer or on a night out! Gold powder products can double up well on eyes and cheeks, while cream products are ideal for cheeks and lips - you may just need to add a balm over the top to keep lips moist and glossy.
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Woods Dental, 65 Walter Rd, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4PT E: info@woodsdental.co.uk T: 01792 476 714 www.woodsdental.co.uk
5/20/2016 8:47:20 AM
HAIR & BEAUTY
Makeover! W ITH
L ARA
JOHNSON
Mumbles stylist & salon owner Lara Johnson shares her tips in her monthly column...
Less is more...
Before...
Model: Savannah Occupation: Student and model from Swansea
SAVANNAH SAYS “I like my hair long so I didn’t want it cut. I wanted a look that I can wear to my graduation ball – something classic and all up. I am also a bit fed up with the colour of my hair, I feel it is a bit dull. I wanted my hair to look healthy and shiny and did not fancy having an all over colour
LARA JOHNSON LIFESTYLE SAYS Savannah had never had a salon colour before and was a little nervous about the outcome. We decided that the saying ‘less is more’ would be perfect in her case. We performed our consultation with our colour id programme and worked with Savannah’s natural skin tones to see which colours and techniques worked best. We decided to enhance Savannah’s look by working with three different colours from the Wella Illumina professional colour range. Working with slightly warmer tones around the face and hairline and then a scattering of the same colour through the crown. The rest of her hair was then worked in to sections with a glossing technique applied between to add shine and lustre to the natural hair. We then dressed Savannah’s hair into a classic chignon but gently softened with soft pieces from the perimeter to bring the classic look up to date.
After...
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HAIR & BEAUTY
Step by step... Faux Bob Taking your hair from long to short without cutting it is a great option. This look takes layered haircuts into a bob with the minimum amount of fuss. Difficulty This look can take a little practice, the trick is to practice a little making sure you are leaving just the right amount of layers out for your Bob. Products We wanted some movement so we worked with some Sebastian Professional Dark Oil which offers hold, shine and protection. We gave the look extra hold with Sebastian professional zero gravity. Equipment Bands, pins and grips. Ghd curve
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Section out the top of your hair. It is worth practising this as the amount you use will effect how long your Bob will look. Below your top section divide the hair and plait just below the occipital bone. Roll the plait up and secure with pins. This will be the area in which you secure your style.
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Place the remaining hair below the top section into a low ponytail and and roll upwards. Pin through the band into the plait you secured earlier. Apply some Sebastian Dark oil through the top section ready to set on some large tongs. We used ghd curves. Apply some soft hairspray wind around the tongs and allow to cool down completely. When the hair has cooled down completely brush into shape and secure the pre prepared ponytail. Pin through the band into the plait that you secured earlier and brush into shape allowing the top section to fall into the Bob shape Finish your Faux Bob with some soft hold hairspray and enjoy!
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5/20/2016 10:19:42 AM
HAIR & BEAUTY
GET THE WET LOOK! Glistening skin, glossy lips and just-gotout-of-the-shower hair: it was all about wet-look beauty on the spring catwalks. LAURA DAVIES reveals how to achieve glowing goddess looks. You’d be forgiven for thinking the make-up artists had gone AWOL backstage at some of the SS16 shows, what with models’ shiny skin, messy eye make-up and (apparently) soaking-wet hair. But, as with many a catwalk beauty trend, this raw, undone - but still beautiful - look is actually the result of a heap of products and lots of preening.
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser, £4.19, Boots, Swansea
SHINE LIKE A GLOWING GODESS
Julien Macdonald SS16
BARE FACED CHIC The been-out-all night look with lots of shine on the cheeks and eyes. They almost look greasy and a bit tired - but still so beautiful. If you’re happy to go foundation-free like one of Marc Jacobs models, then all you need is a generous layer of extra-hydrating moisturiser. If not, you’ll need to add luminosity on top of your base. Nars Luminous Moisture Cream, £43, John Lewis, Cardiff
So is the wet-look trend best left to the professionals? Not at all, it’s just a case of taking one of these elements and making it work for you.
It’s amazing what you can do with a bit of shimmer. Just a touch above the cupid’s bow on lips, above cheekbones in a banana shape, a bit on brow bone, decolletage and shoulders, make a huge difference to your end beauty look. And to give a gorgeous flush to the cheeks, use your finger to pat a glossy lipstick on the apples of the cheeks. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Global Glow, £24, MAC, Cardiff
SHIMMERING LIMBS To create an all-over gleam, use multiple layers of the new St.Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil. After exfoliating thoroughly in the shower, apply a generous coat all over the body, using an applicator mitt, wait three minutes then repeat. Resist the urge to pat it dry and instead leave the oil to dry naturally to seal the deal on your super sexy, all-over gleam.
Boutique ChockA-Block Bronzer, £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
St.Tropez Tan Applicator Mitt, £5, and Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil, £25, Boots, Swansea
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5/20/2016 10:20:38 AM
HAIR & BEAUTY
GLAZED OVER EYES This season, your eyes glazing over is a good thing as long as it’s with make-up, and not because you’re being bored to death. A sheer lipstick or gloss can be repurposed on the eyes too, but your best bet is Illamasqua’s innovative new multi-purpose product. Called The Corruptor, this clear gel can be applied on its own or patted over any eye make-up and left to eat away at the colour, leaving a glossy, artfully eroded look.
Illamasqua The Corruptor, £20, (www.illamasqua.com
PUT ON YOUR LIPSTICK Clear lip gloss is the obvious choice for juicy, vinyl-shine nude lips, but if you struggle with the stickiness, a lip oil is the answer. With the additional benefit of moisturising properties, lip oils are lighter and can be combined with a hint of berry-coloured stain in the middle of the lips, for that ‘bitten’ look. 1. Hourglass No 28 Lip Treatment Oil, £32, www.spacenk.com 2. Gosh Lip Oil in Honey, £7.49, Superdrug, Swansea 3. NARS Lip Gloss Triple X, £19, www.narscosmetics.co.uk
WET BEHIND THE EARS At Julien Macdonald, the uber-sexy models had their hair slicked back, with ends that looked dripping wet but were actually just soaked with product. For full-on wet-look locks, mix a gel spray, like TRESemme Make Waves Sculpt and Define Spray Gel, with a serum and comb into the layers of the hair, so the product is really saturated in. But just be aware that if your hair is very fine, the wet look will make the hair look thinner and can reveal the scalp. For a more subtle shine, blow-dry hair with TRESemme Beauty-Full Volume Mousse, so the hair doesn’t look soaking wet but has natural movement and hold. Next, layer with TRESemme Get Sleek Creation Hairspray, for lightweight shine and smoothness.
Bare Faced Chic: Emily Ratajkowski (left) and Adriana Lima backstage at Marc Jacobs SS16
TRESemme Make Waves Sculpt & Define Spray Gel, £5.49; Beauty-Full Volume Mousse, £5.49, and Get Sleek Creation Hairspray, £5.99 Superdrug, Swansea
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FLOWER POWER LAURA DAVIES looks at some of the flower-powered fragrances that have bloomed on to beauty counters. From subtle and herbaceous, to sweet and heady, there’s a scent for everyone. You’ll just have to pick your own...
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
THE THAI TAKEAWAY Drawing on the native flowers of her favourite holiday destination, Thailand, the third fragrance from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is centred around a pair of jasmine accords and rose centifolia. The floral heart of Rosie For Autograph Summer Rose Eau de Parfum, £28 for 75ml, is followed by sumptuous sandalwood and musk, M&S, Parc Fforestfach, Swansea
@LawsDx
THE ITALIAN JOB imagine a cool breeze rolling in off the Ligurian Sea, as you stroll through a sun-dappled lemon orchard on the Italian Riviera... That’s where you’re transported with the latest addition to the Tom Ford Private Blend collection, Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum, £145 for 50ml, which is inspired by the glamorous holiday destination, Debenhams, Swansea
THE LITERARY AGENT The next volume in Amouage’s Library Collection is anything but by the book. Opus X Eau de Parfum, £180 for 50ml, is a bold confluence of no less than four rose notes, ably assisted by geranium, leather, oud and rich ylang-ylang, www.amouage.com
THE FRUIT COCKTAIL Diptyque Eau de Sens Eau de Toilette, £60 for 50ml, takes a new approach to citrus, combining elements of orange tree blossom, peel and flowers. Rounding out that acidic trio with musky angelica and patchouli, the florals really shine through. John Lewis, Cardiff
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THE WILD ONE Part of the limited edition Herb Garden collection, Jo Malone Wild Strawberry & Parsley, £44 for 30ml, melds the savoury tang of flat-leaf parsley with the juicy sweetness of strawberry and blackcurrant, resulting in a gorgeously green blend, Jo Malone, Cardiff
THE QUEEN OF FLOWERS Opening with a burst of ravishing pink rose, L’Occitane Violette & Rose de Mai Eau de Toilette, £52 for 75ml, dries down to reveal a heart of zesty mandarin and bergamot. Musk and sandalwood combine to complete this complex, creamy concoction, www.loccitane.com
THE DARK HORSE A delicate floral threesome - rose, carnation and lily of the valley - is elevated to heady new heights by liquorice and fig in MOR’s deeply enveloping Rosa Noir Eau de Parfum, £39 for 100ml, www.feelunique.com
THE FRESH START Giving the familiar floral a new lease of life, Molton Brown Dewy Lily Of The Valley & Star Anise Eau de Toilette, £39 for 50ml, adds spicy star anise into the mix, plus magnolia, peony and white musk, making it as fresh and bright as a spring morning, Molton Brown, Cardiff
THE SUGAR RUSH Like a cool Cosmopolitan on a hot New York night, DKNY Summer for Women Limited Edition, £44 for 100ml, is a sparking medley of goji berry, peach bellini, water lily, violet and rose, that will satisfy any sweet tooth, Superdrug, Swansea
THE POWER PLAYER The latest launch in the Eclectic Elements collection, Bronnley Zealous Flower Eau de Toilette, £35 for 50ml, combines jasmine and rose notes with fruity pear and mandarin, pink pepper and amber, adding both warmth and depth. House of Fraser, Cardiff
THE ASIAN SENSATION Created without any synthetic ingredients, Weleda’s Garden of Life trio is powered by natural essential oils. Grenade Jardin de Vie, £19.95 for 50ml, is inspired by an exotic Persian garden, fusing plump pomegranate with herbaceous davana and warm vanilla, www.weleda.co.uk 69
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5/20/2016 10:22:40 AM
S UM M E R ‘S PA’ TIM E AT THE VA LE RESORT
The Vale Resort offer a ‘5 Bubble Spa’ experience that will not disappoint
SPA DAYS:
FACILITIES INCLUDE:
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Euro Widows Spa Day £55*pp
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19 treatment rooms
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Wednesday Spa and Lunch £65*pp
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Three double suites
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Coconut Facial Spa Day from £59†pp
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Six relaxation zones
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Sunday Lunch and Spa £69*pp
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20m pool, sauna and steam room
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Sunshine Spa and Dine £55
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FREE parking
* pp
For our full range of spa days and breaks visit www.vale-hotel.com/special-offers
01443 665888 | www.vale-hotel.com Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY *Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. †Sat & Sun supplement £10pp.
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Wales’ Leading Spa Resort
5/20/2016 2:08:51 PM
Health & wellbeing
FOOD BENEFITS (page 72) HEALTHY BREAKFAST CHOICES (page 74) MARATHON PREP! (page 76) ASK DR. CHARLOTTE (page 79)
DefyTime Cosmetic Clinic & Medical Spa
HealthAndWellbeing.indd 1
466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DZ Tel: 01792 208466
5/19/2016 5:03:10 PM
Food benefits
strawberries With Wimbledon just around the corner, LAURA DAVIES takes a look at why strawberries have so much more to offer than sweetness and flavour. laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Strawberries fight bad cholesterol! They contain powerful heart-health boosters. Ellagic acid and flavonoids— or phytochemicals—can provide an antioxidant effect that can benefit heart health in various ways. They help counteract the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL—bad cholesterol in the blood —which causes plaque to build up in arteries and provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart.
Boost fibre!
Fibre is a necessity for healthy digestion, and strawberries naturally contain about 2g per serving. Problems that can arise from lack of fibre include constipation and diverticulitis—an inflammation of the intestines—which affects approximately 50 percent of people over 60. Fibre can also aid in fighting type two diabetes.
Reduce inflammation The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease.
Promotes eye health
The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts—the clouding over of the eye lens—which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye’s cornea and retina.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Promotes prenatal health Folate is a B-vitamin recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and strawberries are a good source.
Regulate blood pressure
Folate is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy to help in the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord, and the folic acid in strawberries may help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
Strawberries contain potassium which can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium. With their impact on the reduction of LDL, inflammation and high blood pressure, strawberries have earned the title of one of the most heart-healthy fruits you can eat.
Helps boost immunity Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C with one serving containing about half of your daily requirement. Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant.
Help aid weight management
Strawberries help fight cancer Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defence. A phytochemical called ellagic acid—also found in strawberries—is another. Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth. They also contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best defences against type two diabetes and heart disease, not to mention just plain good for your overall well-being. Strawberries are naturally low calorie (around 28 calories per serving), fat-free and low in both sodium and sugar. They contain natural sugars and total carbohydrate content is equivalent to less than a half slice of bread.
Keep wrinkles at bay!
Strawberries are vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, youngerlooking skin.
Do you love strawberries? We would love to see your strawberry recipes, beauty masks or pictures of you and your family picking your own... Email laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk or tweet @SwanseaLife 73
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5/20/2016 10:45:08 AM
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Start the day
the right way... What did you have for breakfast today - slice of toast, bowl of cereal? Maybe you went whole hog with a juicy fry-up - but, if that was the case, you might want to rethink your morning meal of choice, especially if you’re concerned about safeguarding your future health. LAURA DAVIES looks at healthy breakfast choices... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Berries
A small glass of orange juice
(85 calories for a cup)
Red berries, especially blueberries, are a good source of vitamin K. They also contain vitamin C, fibre, manganese and other antioxidants (notably anthocyanins).
It’s what New Yorkers drink for breakfast, so the ad told us, and according to new research by the OJ brand, 150ml of Tropicana (63 calories) is all you need to get 60 per cent of your daily vitamin C, which is great for helping support the immune system and reducing tiredness. It’s also a quick and easy way to get one of your five-a-day.
A study found that women who ate three or more portions of blueberries and strawberries a week had a 32 per cent lower risk of a heart attack, compared with those who ate berries once a month or less.
“The benefits of fish include keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level and improving blood lipids.”
Smoked salmon and mackerel (100 calories for a 3oz serving) The Government recommends we eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines. The benefits of fish include keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level and improving blood lipids, both of which reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease: the biggest killer in the UK.
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Vanilla soy milk (100 calories for a cup) Soy or soya ‘milk’ is a good source of protein, and low in fat. Soy-based foods can help to manage cholesterol levels, although you need about 25g soy protein, or three to four glasses of soya milk a day, to achieve this. Some brands are fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D.” It’s best to get ones with no added sugar.
Stevia (zero calories)
Billed as a natural sweetener, Stevia uses purified extracts from the leaves of the stevia plant, called steviol glycosides, which are 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar - as well as being calorie-free, according to the NHS. PORRIDGE (150 to 350 calories for half a cup, depending on ingredients and cooking method). A bowl of porridge oats contains enough beta glucan to help lower cholesterol, as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. They’re 100 per cent wholegrain, a source of fibre, naturally low in saturated fat and salt and contain thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium and zinc, all crucial for supporting normal body function.
Green tea (zero calories)
Billed as a superfood, the antioxidant catechin in green (and black) tea has been found to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. ..Need more brekkie inspiration? Here are our other healthy breakfast ideas...
Dark chocolate infused with espresso (170 calories for an ounce) Alison Hornby, a dietitian and British Dietetic Association spokesperson, told the NHS: “A range of health benefits from the consumption of cocoa products have been investigated, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, with early results showing promise. “However, the potential health benefit of some compounds in chocolate have to be weighed against the fact that to make chocolate, cocoa is combined with sugar and fat.”
Eggs and avocado on wholegrain toast A notable absence from the Kurzweil breakfast table, the egg and avocado combo is a real winner and a great source of protein, which will keep you full for longer. The toast and avocado are great sources of fibre, which you need to keep regular, and avocados are said to contain high amounts of good fat omega-3, which can increase good cholesterol and is believed to help keep hearts and brains healthy.
Squid, miso soup and seaweed The Japanese islands of Okinawa have more centenarians than anywhere in the world, and very low rates of breast and prostate cancer., Japanese people eat at least three servings of fish a week plus plenty of wholegrains, vegetables and soy products - and more tofu and more konbu seaweed than anyone else in the world, as well as squid and octopus, which are rich in taurine, that could lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
What’s your favourite breakfast? Tweet us with your brekkie pics @SwanseaLife www.swansealife.co.uk | 75
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
On your marks...get set...
GO! FUELLING AND NUTRITION
From supporting your training regime through to staying energised on the big day, nutrition and hydration play a key role.
Preparation It’s carbs that fuel you predominantly on race day, so it’s important to eat carbohydrate-rich foods leading up to your run. It is advised to eat 100g of carbohydrates for an evening meal, such as pasta or potatoes, avoiding excess fat, fibre and spicy food. On the morning of the race, have a carb-based breakfast, such as toast or cereal, a few hours before the start.
Energy Most of us have enough carbohydrates stored in our bodies for 90 minutes of exercise, so for the race itself, you will need additional intake. It is recommended to have one or two e isotonic energy gels per hour of the half marathon
Hydration A runner can lose up to two litres of fluid an hour in warm conditions, so starting your race fully hydrated is essential to your performance. Sipping an electrolyte drink before and during the race will mean you’ll be fully hydrated. Aim to replace 500 to 1000ml of fluid per hour depending on your sweat rate.
Nutritional routine It’s important to practice your nutritional routine. In the final weeks of training,
consider what works well for you and don’t do anything new in terms of nutrition on race day. Measure what levels of carbohydrate and water you’re comfortable with while running, then stick to these amounts on the day to avoid unexpected discomfort or dehydration.
Recovery The first 30 minutes after the race are most important for recovery; it’s essential to start the recovery process immediately and drink plenty of water to rehydrate. A good recovery gel, that can be easily absorbed, will help muscles recover. Have a balanced meal when you get home and, again, replace fluid and electrolytes lost through sweat. It’s also worth taking in protein the night before and on the night of the race, to ensure muscles are in a good condition.
As thousands of runners gear up for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday June 26. LAURA DAVIES shares some top tips on fuelling and nutrition and perfecting your prep ahead of race day... day before, to ensure your kit’s prepared and portable. This prevents last-minute flusters, which will only exacerbate race-day nerves and distract you from the important task of mental focus and preparation.
Warm-up work Some people take slightly longer to get into ‘the zone’ when exercising, as the body has to warm up to get to its optimum function. This time can be reduced greatly with a proper warm-up, which, in the short-term, will increase blood-flow to muscles and stimulate your cardiovascular system, allowing you to perform better. Long-term, being warm and stretched will help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.”
PREP LIKE A PRO It takes a considerable amount of physical and mental discipline to prepare for a half marathon.
Tapering A half marathon is a bit like an exam, you can’t cram at the last minute - but you can improve your performance with the right revision. Make sure you taper your training and work lifestyle ahead of the big day, by resting your legs as much as you can and mentally unwinding with lots of good sleep.
Kit check The Six Ps – perfect planning and preparation prevents poor performance - applies more than ever for a half marathon. It’s vital you decide what kit you’re going to need, and have it prepared well in advance of race day. Have a practice of race morning, even just the
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5/20/2016 2:06:35 PM
HEALTH & WELLBEING
TOP TIPS FOR PREVENTING BLISTERS... They're a bane for runners and a pain for many - so just how can we keep blisters at bay and treat them quickly when they form? Friction and pressure caused by repeated rubbing from badly-fitting footwear and socks, and too much moisture between the foot and sock, can cause blisters to form, and anything from wearing new shoes (or last year's summery sandals), unsuitable socks, going for a long walk or a running in ill-fitting footwear can trigger this. It is important runners wear suitable running socks, and 'break in' running shoes - to ensure they don't cause you problems - before tackling a lengthy challenge; it's definitely not advisable to switch to new shoes before running a marathon, for instance, and if you are taping your feet, don't apply it too tightly. • Wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear, especially on long walks or runs. • Wear good walking socks in the correct size. Look for socks made of fibres with good 'wicking' properties. • Try wearing socks inside out to prevent the seams rubbing. • Try wearing special 'dual layer' socks, which eliminate friction at the skin surface. • Change to fresh socks if they become damp. • Keep toenails short. • Remove any foreign bodies from your socks and shoes. • Ensure the tongue and laces of your shoes/boots are arranged correctly and evenly. • Check feet carefully and regularly for any sign of rubbing and tenderness.
And what to do if blisters do strike...
Mental focus
An hour to go...
It’s very easy to become distracted at big sporting events: you might get distracted at the expo leading up to the race, or become focussed on the latest bit of kit that you don’t have. Even on race day, you can lose your focus with all the media coverage and other runners.
In the last hour, if you’re not already in the queue for the loos, make sure you join it, as they’re always long! Take an old jumper and plastic bin-liner with arm holes. You might feel silly, but this will keep you warm and dry with the inevitable standing around - it’s crucial to help prevent injury and maximise performance by beginning the race with warm muscles. Any clothing left at the start line is collected for charity, so you know that whatever you sacrifice for the race will go to a good cause - the icing on the cake for what should be, don’t forget, a fun and memorable experience!”
Try to find some personal space where you can take a moment to relax your breathing and prepare your mind - you might find it helpful to visualise yourself running with good technique and positive energy. This should enable you to execute your race plan to best effect.”
We’re running the marathon! Some of the Swansea Life and Evening Post team will be taking on the Swansea Half Marathon to raise money for Talking Hands Deaf Children and Young People Service – our charity of the year.
Publisher Lisa Cameron, Swansea Life deputy editor Laura Davies and advertising staf Sheryl Hughes, Zena Laws, Julie Whitecombe and Chris Norman with members of Talking Hands
• Act immediately if you feel any friction or discomfort: blisters can form very quickly. • If you feel a blister developing, take your boots and socks off, examine your feet and apply material cushioning or padding, or a breathable waterproof plaster as soon as possible.
Based in Hafod, the service aims to help young people build self-esteem, confidence and a positive view towards deafness – as well as teaching them sign language.
• If a blister occurs, don't pop it. Cut a hole in a piece of foam or felt, forming a 'doughnut' over the blister, and tape it in place, or cover with a soft gel-type dressing.
It has proved invaluable to many parents who discover their children have issues with their hearing, and are unable to afford a basic sign language course, which can cost almost £500.
• Treat an open blister with mild soap and water; and cover it with an antiseptic ointment and a protective soft gel dressing to prevent infection and speed healing.
Publisher Lisa Cameron with one of the children who benefit from the Talking Hands charity
Cheer the team on and help us raise money for Talking Hands by donating via www.gofundme.com/24244z6s 77
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Tried & tested...
Look fit
3 of the best...
summery sports bras
with the right kit! Lusting after some fancy new fitness kit? Go on, you deserve it! LAURA DAVIES picks up some tips about what you should know when buying your kit...
laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Reward system
Anita Active Extreme Control Sports Bra in Rio, £49, Figleaves, Cardiff
Bright sparks
If you're just starting out with a fitness regime, or if budgets are tight, you don't need to splash out on the most expensive brands.
Summer is all about colour, freshness and vibrancy - and why can't that apply to your fitness kit too? Treat yourself to a pair of print leggings with a fun pattern or summery colours. If they make you smile before you even put them on, even better. If you prefer shorts, make sure they are long enough to avoid chaffing and suit the activities you take part in.
There are plenty of decent-quality bargains to be found, and you can always reward yourself with some upgrades once you've proven you're going to be putting them to use.
Tech savvy
Look for colours that bring your workout wardrobe to life! Colours and patterns that make you feel fab; you'll be amazed how this can power up your workout.
It pays to ensure your kit is suitable for the conditions though, as this will affect your performance and comfort. Key things to think about are temperature control, sweat-wicking, soft seams and fabrics that won't irritate skin or rub when it gets humid, and sun protection (don't forget to slather on the SPF too!).
Vital extras
Consider what you're going to be carrying too. For outdoor summer workouts, good hydration is of utmost importance, so don't forget to factor in water bottles and storage for essentials you're going to be carrying with you. Think smart with your fitkit buys - look for hidden pockets to store that door key or even cash for that post workout coffee. Some leggings and even bras have a small inner pocket just for that. Bum-bags can also be handy for outdoor jogs and hikes.
Technical fabric can be a bit more expensive, but it's worth every penny. Lighter colours will be a bit cooler to wear too. Invest in training kit that incorporates stylish breathable mesh panels. Not only will you look super cool, but you'll remain fresh throughout your workout. Add to that waterproof pockets, to keep valuables dry, and you're good to go!
Shop the kit! Does shopping for summer fitness kit make you feel like a kid in a sweetshop? Us too! Here are some of our faves for this season...
Bellum Active Venus Capri pants, reduced to £40 from £50, www. bellumactive.co.uk
Wire-free and made with super-soft Pima cotton, the high neck on this sports bra means you don’t have to worry about unintentional cleavage flashes when you drop down for some press-ups or planking during that jog in the park, while the bright pink shade means you won’t mind if it’s visible under a vest. Bonus for busty gals: it’s available up to a K cup!
Musto Women’s Quick Dry Training Top, £35, www.musto.com
Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra, £33, Debenhams, Swansea
Musto Women’s Marathon Shorts, £49.99, www.musto.com
Tribesports Women’s 2-in-1 Running Shorts, £28, tribesports.com
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Impact Free bra in Pink, £34, www.royce-lingerie.co.uk
Musto Women’s High Summer Vest Top, £49.99 www.musto.com
Women Running Cool Tee from adidas ClimaChill range, £22,www.adidas.co.uk
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Adjustable and wide padded straps make this super-supportive sports bra pleasingly comfortable - and with the new Rio colourway, you’ll be channelling those Olympic champs every time you wear it! Sizes go up to 38FF too.
Women Training Ultimate Fit Asia Tights, £47, www.adidas.co.uk
One of THE best brands for those in need of hardcore bust support, this Shock Absorber number has ‘powermesh’ side panels for breathability, and the jazzy print and crop-top style make it especially great for summer.
5/20/2016 10:55:09 AM
HEALTH & WELLBEING
ASK
HEALTH & WELLBEING
What is it? • It is an unpleasant combination of symptoms that can come on when travelling on a boat.
DR. CHARLOTTE
These symptoms can come on with any form of travel (including space travel) and is more properly termed “motion sickness”
Swansea Life GP CHARLOTTE JONES offers helpful advice in her monthly column...
What symptoms does one get? • Most people get pallor, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting and dizziness in various degrees of severity • Occasionally, some people can also experience tiredness, headaches and even rapid breathing.
What causes it? • It is thought to be due to an imbalance between how the brain processes information from one’s vision (telling the brain things are still) and the balance centre in the middle ear (telling the brain that the body is moving). The symptoms settle when the vision and balance centre synchronise.
How can I reduce the symptoms? KEEP STILL!
Mal De Mer – aka Sea Sickness”
• Your position can help alleviate the worst of symptoms. Keep still and either close your eyes or keep them trained on the horizon to minimise conflicting brain signals. Looking down at maps, phones or books makes motion sickness unbearable. Where possible, drive the car or sit near the airplane wing (by the window where you can look out) or on deck in the middle of a boat, to keep movement to a minimum. • Focus on looking at somewhere still (e.g. scanning horizon) – trying to sleep makes symptoms worse as does reading
• Keep well hydrated (water not alcohol) • Try and get some fresh air (move to the top deck) • Relax and try to stay calm (easier said than done in a moving object I know)
Are there any medicines I can take? • There are some medicines that can be used and are best used before you travel rather than after symptoms have started. Most of these medications can be easily purchased over the counter (but always check with the pharmacist before taking): 1. Hyoscine – this is felt to block some of the nerves involved with the balance centre. It does have some side effects including dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. 2. Antihistamines – e.g. Stugeron (Cinnarizine) Phenergan (Promethazine) these have slightly fewer side effects than Hyoscine but may not be as effective. They can still be sedating.
Any other treatments I could try? • Some patients swear by acupressure bracelets, ginger and acupuncture but there is no real medical evidence supporting their use.
When should I seek medical help? • Many describe a sensation of not feeling quite steady but not ill and not being truly giddy whilst back on firm land – if there are no other symptoms this should settle in a few days. If it doesn’t then seek medical advice. • If you have symptoms different to those above – don’t assume it is down to motion sickness – again, seek medical advice.
You know the feeling. It rises from the bottom of your stomach and swells to a hideous mixture of drowsiness, nausea, the sweats, a loss of colour, headaches, retching and vomiting. Travel sickness affects us all and can ruin any trip, whether at home or abroad. It surfaces on boats, cars, planes and trains - but don’t let it put you off your summer holiday. There are a few things you can do to help.
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Food & drink
ABERDULAIS FALLS TEAROOMS (page 82) SHORE KITCHEN (page 84) RECIPES WITH BETH ROSE (page 86) NORTON HOUSE (page 98)
Norton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5TQ 01792 404 891 www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk
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enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk Nortonhousemumbles @nortonhousemumb
5/19/2016 4:24:18 PM
FOOD & DRINK
Tea for two? Rehydrating dried leaves is one thing; creating an occasion quite another. JASON EVANS goes off in search of a cream tea and a cuppa at the Aberdulais Falls tearooms...
We have a past Duchess of Bedford to thank for the inspiration. Gas lighting also played its part. It was Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford in the 1830s, who is credited with first making ‘Afternoon Tea’ into a formal social occasion. It all had to do with the shifting hour of the evening meal, which became fashionably later and later as more and more houses became able to be cost-effectively lit until well into the late evening. Not that the Bedfords were especially short on candles, but someone has to lead these things. Finding herself understandably peckish in the gap between luncheon and dinner, the Duchess began inviting her friends to enjoy tea and ‘a light refreshment’ in her rooms at Woburn Abbey. She continued the practice upon returning to London and the ‘Afternoon Tea’ became an increasingly fashionable ritual among the social hostesses of the upper classes. Move on the best part of 200 years and today, well, today, afternoon tea and its very many variations has become something of a ‘must do’.
the canal from Neath to the Aberdulais canal basin and then nipped in for a cuppa. Our intention was only to have a cup of tea. But the food looked so inviting we decided to stay for a light-bite too. It’s hard to turn down a cream tea ( not an afternoon tea and yes, there is a difference) in a National Trust property so we ordered the sweet treat, and then sandwiches too because they looked too good to miss. The menu at the Old Schoolhouse is small but perfectly formed and following the National Trust cookbook ethos, it’s all about fresh, organic local ingredients.
The menu at the Old Schoolhouse is small but perfectly formed
Which brings me to the Old School House tearooms at Aberdulais Falls. It is a place we have surely all driven past as we head up and down the Neath Valley. And if you haven’t stopped for a bite to eat here, I have to say you are missing a bit of a treat. Housed, as you’ve probably guessed, in the old schoolhouse built to educate the children of Aberdulais tinplate workers, this little whitewashed cafe is a lovely to place for a cup of tea and some tasty food in historic surroundings. Our visit was on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Making the most of the weather my partner-in-dine and I had walked up
Pride of place must go to their homemade — and utterly delicious — cawl (£6.50). But there’s also a soup of the day (£4.50), fancy sausage rolls (£2.20), sandwiches (£3.90) and the “tinworkers lunch” (£5.50), a kind of ploughman’s lunch consisting of a lamb pasty, Welsh cheddar, pickle and the essential pickled onions. We also opted for salmon and rocket sandwiches — fresh, simple and very tasty — and then I got stuck into a cream tea which was beautifully presented on some dinky blue and white plates.
The clotted cream the scones came with should have been shared of course. But I placed it at my side of the table and made a subliminal fortress of salt and pepper pots. This worked a treat and I consumed at least 80 per cent of the stuff! Heavenly, finger-licking and all in great surroundings and served up by friendly staff. Thank you indeed the Dutchess of Bedford!
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FOOD & DRINK
“Heavenly, fingerlicking and all in great surroundings and served up by friendly staff.”
Photography by Adrian White
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5/20/2016 11:52:02 AM
FOOD & DRINK
A NEW BEGINNING Popular Swansea chef Sam Thomas has a charming new venture: Shore Kitchen in Mumbles where the focus is on personal attention to quality and detail, writes JENNY WHITE...
t’s always great to see one of the area’s finest chefs pop up with a new venture, especially when it’s one as attractive and quality-driven as Shore Kitchen. Located in the Shoreline Hotel, Shore Kitchen is the new home of Sam Thomas, formerly chef/proprietor of SA3 Bistro, and before that, chef at The Dragon. Prior to the Dragon, he put 698 in Mumbles on the map by winning awards for his cooking. He’s also headed up the kitchen in Morgan’s and worked in Fairyhill – and before coming to Swansea in the 1990s he cooked at top London restaurants including The Waldorf Hotel, The Royal Lancaster and Mosimann’s, a private dining club run by famous chef Anton Mosimann. Sam moved to Swansea to raise a family because his wife Ann is from Treboeth. At The Shoreline they’re able to work as a team, with Ann looking after the hotel while Sam handles the cooking. It’s a smaller restaurant than SA3, and this is why Sam chose it: he wanted to be able to handle the cooking single-handedly, giving him total control of the quality of the food served in the seven table restaurant. “When you handle a big brigade, things get far more complicated. Here I’m able to do what I do best and I can be absolutely sure of the quality of the food,” he says. “It was the right time for the move because a couple of my longer term members of staff had moved on and rather than train anyone else up I decided to take on a smaller venture.” The new restaurant is pretty as a picture, with wood floors, simple bistro furnishings and blue and white walls decorated with modern art. It’s a relaxed, friendly setting that’s intimate but not cramped, and is also family friendly. “I’m always happy to cater for children, either by making them smaller portions of what’s on the menu or by cooking whatever they fancy: if they want fish fingers or sausages, I can do that – but the quality will be great,” says Sam. As for the rest of the menu, the focus is on taking the best local ingredients and cooking them with skill and accuracy.
“I was classically trained and I’m not one for unnecessary fuss,” says Sam. “We use the best ingredients and treat them with respect, and whatever dish we create we do it to the best of our ability. We want to offer the best version of each dish that you’ve ever tasted. Using local, seasonal ingredients is important to us.” Over the years Sam has built up a trusty list of suppliers: meat comes from The Gower Butcher, and includes superb steaks, Gower lamb and free range pork. “I’ve used the Gower Butcher for years – he’s great because he’s not a huge company so you really get quality produce; none of it is mass produced. “He always manages to source exactly what I need. His Welsh lamb is probably the best you could get anywhere.” Vegetables come from local supplier Fred Leys, and Sam shops around for his fish to ensure the best, freshest supply from local boats. In the summer months he plans to increase the fish and seafood offerings. “There is so much good quality fish around - sea bass and mussels, for instance. The focus will be on simple, classic dishes that make the most of these great, fresh ingredients.” The menus are constantly evolving depending on which ingredients are in season, but certain types of dishes are almost always available. “I like to do a wild mushroom sauce when mushrooms are in season but I get requests for it all year round – people love it with everything from steak to chicken and have even asked for on toast with sourdough. “The scallop and salmon ravioli is another example of the kind of classic dish that gets me excited – and I tend to always offer some form of risotto, as these are always popular. Examples include wild mushroom and courgette, parmesan and saffron, but my favourite is a shrimp, squid and chorizo risotto, which is a play on paella.” Dessert-wise, the most popular options include comforting classics such as apple crumble, vanilla crème brulee and banana parfait with salted caramel – but his customers’ all time favourite is the brownie sundae.
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FOOD & DRINK
“I always get requests for it – it will probably be on the menu until I retire!” says Sam. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers stunning value for money: the set price lunch is just £9.95 for two courses and includes dishes such as beer battered whitebait with a red pepper Marie Rose sauce and minute steak with pepper sauce and fries. Other lunchtime options include courgette fritters with a cream cheese and sweet chilli dip; a rump steak burger with Emmental cheese, caramelised onions and fries; and light bites such as a croquet monsieur or chorizo eggs Benedict. Dinner also includes a great value set price menu, at £15 for two courses or £20 for three courses. A typical meal from this menu might take in a ratatouille and goat’s cheese crostini with basil oil and sun dried tomato; and a main course of wild mushroom risotto. The a la carte menu offers the likes of seared scallops with samphire followed by breaded chicken breast with a chorizo and red pepper sauce. Other options will include a regular ‘two steaks and a bottle of wine’ deal at the end of each month. Sam’s seen plenty of highlights in the course of his career: he’s cooked for the Swans on their away games, for countless famous Mosimann’s customers including Alice Cooper, Janet Jackson and Billy Connolly; and for members of the royal family including Charles and Diana. But he finds this new chapter in his career just as exciting, and is looking forward to welcoming former SA3 Bistro regulars and new customers to Shore Kitchen. “Being here I can cook for pleasure and see people enjoying their food. This is a job where you get instant feedback from your customers, and I’ve been delighted with their responses to the new restaurant so far.”
THE LOWDOWN SAM THOMAS Favourite place to unwind in Swansea On the beach or at the Chris Rees Academy, where I go to do jiu jitsu. Greatest influence on my cooking. Marco Pierre White inspired me to become a chef. Gordon Ramsay and Raymond Blanc also influenced me – one of my biggest regrets is that I turned down an offer of an apprenticeship with Raymond Blanc when I was 15 because I felt I was too young. I’ve also been shaped by working for Anton Mosimann, and for Richard Walton, who was my first head chef and had worked for Robert Carrier and at The Savoy in the 60s. Best ingredient to cook with Welsh salt marsh lamb – it’s a unique and fantastic tasting product. Favourite comfort food I love traditional puddings like jam roly poly. Dish I’m most proud of I’m proud of all the dishes on the menu at Shore Kitchen, many of which have been with me a long time. They’re dishes I know work and that I enjoy cooking. www.swansealife.co.uk | 85
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5/20/2016 11:53:19 AM
FOOD & DRINK
Suave sauvignons PETER SLEE recommends some sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon from different wine regions Easy to pronounce, sauvignon (saw-vee-nyon) is one of those lovely words that flows sweetly and, most importantly, one of our favourite wines to drink. Whether you have a thirst for sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon, these kissing cousins travel well, can stand alone or be blended and have achieved such success in certain regions that you can pretty much rely on the quality. Both grapes have distinctive flavours and, in the hands of a good producer, will deliver the quality and drinking pleasure that makes you want to drink them time and time again. Here are some sauvignons to leave you looking forward to the next glass...
Chateau Bauduc: Bauduc Blanc 2015, France (£9.95, www.fromvineyards direct.com) Eminently drinkable and the house white in all of Gordon Ramsay’s three-star restaurants and several of Rick Stein’s... need I say more? A sophisticated style that’s fruity and flowery, the peachy, citrusy, gooseberry flavours are delightfully fresh with an appealing herbal grassiness and refreshing acidity on the finish.
Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand (£13.99, Majestic, Swansea) One of New Zealand’s most awarded wineries, the Reserve level offers all the fabulousness you would expect, but with a concentration that’s pure genius. Awarded 91 points by American wine critic James Suckling, you can buy this wine with confidence knowing you’ll be rewarded with an elixir of aromatics, gooseberry, melon and guava flavours, bracing herbs and a fine acidity on the grassy finish.
Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, South Africa (£10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea) A ripe, generous style with appealing scents of dark chocolate, cedar and aniseed, this leading producer shows a silky, supple, elegant side of the variety with blackberries, cassis and bittersweet chocolate flavours giving depth and a soft texture that makes it approachable and easy to drink.
Mumbles BBC Masterchef semi-finalist Beth Rose shares her recipes with Swansea Life...
Fennel & red chilli lamb burgers with harissa burger sauce... These lamb burgers are foolproof, fiery and flipping easy to make, with a few little secrets to guarantee the juiciest burgers that don’t fall apart when you cook them. The punchy burger sauce is spiked with harissa, an amazing chilli paste made of roasted red chilli peppers, garlic, rose petals, cumin and other spices - it’s one of those ingredients that’s worth spending a little more money on and is great spread onto pizzas, stirred into fajitas, beef chilli or homemade dips. Here, it works an absolute treat in a burger sauce with mayonnaise, cool yoghurt and that classic burger sauce staple American mustard.
Makes 4 lamb burgers • 250g quality lamb mince (20% fat) • 1 small white onion, finely diced • 1 red chilli, finely chopped • 1 large clove garlic, crushed • 1 tsp fennel seeds • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 small handful of fresh breadcrumbs • 1 egg yolk plenty of salt and pepper • 4 soft seeded buns • 1 gem lettuce
Harissa burger sauce • • • •
2 tbsp yoghurt 2 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tsp harissa 1 tsp American mustard (optional)
Saute the onion in a little oil in a frying pan until transparent and lightly golden. Turn off the heat and add the crushed garlic and chopped red chilli. Leave to cool. Toast the spiced in a dry frying pan until fragrant then roughly grind in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. In a large mixing bowl, add the lamb mince, sauteed onion, garlic, chilli, the ground spices, breadcrumbs, egg yolk and seasoning. Mix well between your hands for around 4 minute until the mixture all incorporated and becomes smoother. Mold into 4 burger shapes, making sure the sides as as flat as possible and that there is a slight dip in the middle of the burger shape (this will prevent the centre of a burger rising when cooked.) Put your burgers onto a baking tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile mix the burger sauce ingredients together and keep in the fridge until later. Preheat the oven to 220c. When the burgers have rested, heat a griddle pan until really hot and fry the burgers for about 1 minute each side until they have a charred brown crust (careful not to overcrowd the griddle pan.) Now place on a baking tray and finish off the cooking in the oven for a further 5-10 minutes until the insides are still slightly pink and juicy. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut each bun and toast on each side in the same frying pan that you browned the burgers. Assemble your burgers with generous dollops of burger sauce and the fresh lettuce.
86 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 11:56:42 AM
Coffee
Burgers
Pasta
Pizza
Ice Cream
The Heart of The Seafront
Family
We listen to our customers. You’ve told us what you want and that’s what we’ll deliver - superb food and drink in a spectacular setting with the warmest of welcomes. Join us for a relaxing experience overlooking our magnificent Aberavon beach. Take away food & drinks now available - open Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm.
01639 882121 • www.caferemos.com Untitled-1 1
5/20/2016 8:48:08 AM
EatOut
your guide to the best places to dine.
The Brit Pub “It’s not just a pub, it’s a destination” Set against the backdrop of the Afan Valley this historical building has recently undergone a major renovation. With a rustic and quirky interior The Brit is homely yet unusual and is attracting customers from far and wide to try their selection of regularly changing real ales and experience their warm hospitality. It truly is a pub for all seasons with a cosy log fire and a beautiful garden that overlooks the River Afan. Going from strength to strength The Brit was selected in their first year of opening for the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and has recently become a Good Food Awards winner. Their head chef was also nominated for the Pub Chef of the Year Awards. Making it to the last 4 in a cook off at The House of Commons. The Brit has also been No’1 on Trip Advisor for the Neath & Port Talbot area for the last 6 months. The food is all proudly cooked and produced on the premises with the knowledge that all the produce is fresh, seasonal and local where possible. At lunchtimes The Brit serves Pub Classics from 12-3pm including home made faggots & peas to freshly made pie of the day. Evening meals are served between 6-9pm and the chef gets his creative juices flowing with an A La Carte menu that changes on a regular basis serving dishes such as Trio of Lamb consisting of Roast Lamb rump, mini faggot, slow cooked lamb breast, minted pearl barley, root vegetables & sprouting broccoli or one of the very popular fish dishes that range from Wild Seabass to Pan Fried Salmon and of course favourites such as Fillet Steak served with Dauphinoise Potato, baby carrots, kale, shallots & wild mushroom sauce. Every dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the palette including the delicious desserts that are also made on the premises from Baked Lemon Posset to White Chocolate & Bailey’s cheesecake. The Brit also do High Tea in the afternoons but this must be booked in advance as everything is made to order. Sunday lunches are a firm favourite with food being served from 12-3.30pm. On Sunday evenings the kitchen closes and the pub
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fills up for the very popular Quiz which starts at 7pm. The Brit also hosts various events with live acoustic music being played by Russ & Rob on Thursdays to yearly events such as The Real Ale & Cider Festival Fri 10th & Sat 11th June, Charity Summer Ball Sat 23rd July, and the Richard Burton Evening Fri 5th August. As well as many other celebrations such as Trafalgar night, Beaujolais day and more. The Brit Pub | London Row| Cwmafan | SA12 9AH
t: 01639 680247 w: www.thebrit.wales
5/20/2016 11:47:29 AM
Call
01792 545581
to advertise in next month’s feature. Quadrant Coffee House Victorian Tea Room Enjoy a little nostalgia and try our Afternoon High Tea, served upstairs in our first floor dining area or downstairs if you prefer.
Gift vouchers available
This afternoon treat is ideal for celebrating a birthday, anniversary or any special moment, but who needs an excuse to endulge in a little self pampering and nostalgia? NOTE: To avoid disappointment, why not reserve a table? - Ask any of our waitress staff - they will be only to pleased to help! Go on treat yourself... We serve Afternoon Tea every day in our Victorian Tea Room Freshly Prepared... Mixed Sandwiches, Mini Tartlets, Savoury Pastries Petit Fours and great cake selection. QUADRANT GATE | 23 Nelson Street | Swansea | SA1 3QE t: 01792 463757 w: www.quadrantcoffeehouse.co.uk
The Smiths Arms Family friendly pub serving food daily. Open Mon-Wed 12-3pm, 5-8pm, Thurs & Fri 12-8pm, Sat 11.30-6pm Sunday carvery £6.45 • 12 - 4pm Free function room for parties up to 60 people with free entertainment.
THE SMITH ARMS | 51-52 Neath Road | Hafod Swansea | SA1 2HR | Telephone: 01792 466776
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5/20/2016 11:47:38 AM
EatOut
your guide to the best places to dine. Tiffany’s Restuarant Join us to celebrate any special occasion or just relax & enjoy lunch or an evening meal in the Tiffany’s Restaurant or Bar. Modern Cuisine & Steak House Serving Monday - Friday 12-2pm & 5-9pm Saturday 6-10pm • Sunday Carvery 12 noon Open 7 days
New steak menu available. Lunchtime meals £6.95 We are licenced for civil ceremonies with a selection of wedding packages to choose from.
Find us on Facebook @tiffanysrestaurantneath THE COACH HOUSE | Longford Road | Neath Abbey | Neath| SA10 7AJ
t: 01792 816307 w: www.coachhouseneathabbey.co.uk e: enquiries@coachhouseneathabbey.co.uk
The Riverside in Gorseinon TRIP ADVISOR AWARD of EXCELLENCE “For the best home cooked Sunday lunches for miles” Says Amy Belgrave • Sunday Meal deal 6-9pm, tel for details • 10% Off OAP. • Freshly made deserts to die for! • £5 OPTION MENU AVAILABLE Book now for Father’s Day. Visit our Tel: 01792 896037 website for a virtual tour before booking!
THE RIVERSIDE INN GORSEINON GRILL HOUSE & RESTAURANT 1 High Street | Gorseinon | Swansea | SA4 4BX (opp ATS Tyres)
t: 01792 896037 w: www.riversideinngorseinon.co.uk
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5/20/2016 11:47:59 AM
Call
01792 545581
to advertise in next month’s feature.
Afan Tavern The Afan Tavern in Cwmafan is attracting customers from far and wide all eager to try the delicious home-cooked food. This popular country pub has developed an excellent reputation for the high quality affordable cuisine and first class service. The Afan Tavern has won the prestigious title of South Wales Evening Post Restaurant of the Year under the Pub Food category and also best steak in South Wales has also received a highly commended award from Swansea Bay Tourism.
The emphasis is on home-cooked produce using fresh local ingredients wherever possible. There is an appetising choice of starters and an impressive selection of main courses such as Singapore Pulled Pork Noodle Sizzler or Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni to name just a couple. Pub favourites include Fish and Chips with homemade batter as well as succulent Celtic Pride steaks and burgers from the grill. Delicious desserts include Jam Roly Poly and Chocolate Fudge Cake served with ice cream and the new Nutella Gnocchi is well worth trying. Curries come with a mini naan, poppadum, mango chutney and basmati rice and/or chips for just £6.95 and include the famous Afan Chicken Tarka. There is also a choice of Real Ales that quench any thirst. The Sunday carvery is very popular and to cater for demand there are three sittings. Customers enjoy beef, pork, turkey and even lamb, with all of the trimmings. One course is £7.95, two courses are £9.95 and three courses are £11.95. The restaurant is now open on Sunday evenings from 6.00 pm until 9.00 pm. The Afan Tavern can cater for all dietary requirements and vegetarians are well catered for. Children have their own menu and kids under the age of 12 can eat free with every full paying adult from Monday to Saturday between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm and 4.00 pm on Sunday. Plus free WiFi.
AFAN TAVERN | Jersey Terrace | Cwmafan Neath Port Talbot | SA12 9AS Telephone: 01639 898 283
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5/20/2016 11:48:08 AM
FOOD & DRINK
A little slice of country heaven
Whether you love beautiful views, shopping for crafts or filling up on home-made soup and cakes, the craft shop and cafĂŠ at Cwm Ivy on Gower is the place for you, writes Jenny White... 92 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 11:58:23 AM
FOOD & DRINK
ive years ago a group of three teachers decided to team up and create a craft shop at Cwm Ivy on Gower.
“We have Whiteford nature reserve and Whiteford lighthouse nearby, so we get people who have been to visit those, as well as a lot of bird watchers,” says Sian. “We also get visited by walkers and people who have been to the beaches at Whiteford Bay and Broughton Bay.”
Their aim? To attract some of the passers-by who visit this idyllic corner of South West Wales.
The craft shop and coffee shop are open Saturdays and Sundays plus bank holidays and school holidays. Usual opening hours are 10am to 5pm but these may be extended later in the summer to accommodate stragglers coming home from the beach. The aim is eventually to be open every day.
Stocked with beautiful creations by the three founders and their friends, it set out to offer high quality crafts which would be hard – if not impossible – to find elsewhere. The shop, called simply @Cwm Ivy and located at Swallow Barn, Cwm Ivy, has proven such a success that it has now been extended to include a coffee shop with truly stunning marshland and estuary views. It looks like being a busy summer. But there is an element of sadness to this new chapter in the little shop’s life: one of the three women who founded it, Lisa David, died of breast cancer last year, leaving the other co-founders, Sian Griffiths and Alyson Thomas, deeply distressed. However, Sian was determined to continue to develop the project they had begun. “She was the driving force behind the initial venture, and very inspirational,” says Sian. “She is very much missed.” Sian now runs the shop and coffee shop with help from her husband Chris, who works as a loss adjuster by day, and with ongoing support from Alyson. The business is located in the grounds of Sian and Chris’ home, a beautiful converted barn that was once part of the farm owned by Chris’ family.
“When we started out, our mission was to be a stopping off point for walkers and cyclists, and for anyone wanting good coffee, fresh paninis, fresh soup and home-made cakes on the way to beach or on the way back,” says Chris. “We’re also on the Wales Coastal Path – it comes right past our door, so the café is a great pit stop that’s also dog friendly.” Sian and Chris are enjoying offering visitors the very best local crafts and refreshments. “We enjoy offering good quality local products,” says Chris. “We buy coffee through the Gower Coffee Company, which is run by the Luporini family who run the Kardomah coffee shop in Swansea and are based in Llanmadoc, and we offer fresh homemade soup and Sian’s home-made cakes – her brownies are especially popular, as is her lemon drizzle cake.”
Perched right at the edge of the Gower salt marshes, the house –and just as importantly, the café – have amazing views!
Perched right at the edge of the Gower salt marshes, the house –and just as importantly, the café – have amazing views down over the land where salt marsh lamb is raised, to the Bury estuary and Llanelli beyond. Following the breaching of a sea wall down on the marshes, the sea sometimes comes in so far it almost reaches the foot of the hill on which the property stands. At other times it retreats far into the estuary, leaving gleaming pools in its wake. Depending on the weather, the view is either a dreamy haze of blues and greens, or bright, crisp and clearly defined, but it’s always spectacular, and the coffee shop has been designed to capitalise on that, with views from inside and also from the balcony outside. Chris also has plans to extend the balcony, creating a decked area in Swallow Barn’s beautiful garden. Here you may find Chris and Sian’s two dogs; visitors are welcome to bring their own dogs to say hello: there’s a water bowl provided as well as a jar of treats so that they can enjoy a free snack while you relax. These, and all the facilities, get plenty of use. For such an awayfrom-it all spot it’s surprisingly busy, with a steady stream of visitors coming to Cwm Ivy to make the most of the nearby coastline.
Other treats include paninis, Victoria sponge and scones served with cream and jam. It’s all served up against an attractive backdrop, with natural wood walls, vintage furnishings, polka dot table cloths and beautiful arts and crafts on the walls and shelves. “We’re proud of the fact we’ve created it ourselves with help from a local carpenter in the village,” says Chris. “We designed it and came up with the look for the place, using reclaimed furniture.”
The adjoining shop is decorated in a similar style, and has a huge variety of arts and crafts to discover. Much of the inspiration behind the craft shop was the fact that Sian, Alyson and Lisa were keen crafters themselves, and items made by Sian and Alyson are still available, as well as beautiful turned wooden ornaments made by Chris using fallen wood from Cwm Ivy wood. Other items include knitted hats, prints and paintings, handmade aprons and peg bags, scarves, children’s clothes, beautiful pottery and stunning hand-made jewellery. It’s a perfect place to find both treats and presents, especially if you want something truly unique. It all adds up to a place where you could happily while away an hour or more browsing the crafts and enjoying food and a chat while taking in a wonderful view. “I’m pleased to say the customer feedback has been great,” says Chris. “They love the location, the views and the outside seating area, and they say the food and coffee are lovely. People seem to like the quirkiness of it, and feel it’s a nice spot to come to on the way back from the beach.” Looking to the future, Sian and Chris are anticipating a busy summer with extended opening hours and the chance to share their beautiful corner of Gower with more visitors. “We’re excited about meeting more people, “ adds Sian. “And for providing something a bit different.”
www.cwmivycrafts.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk | 93
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5/20/2016 11:58:27 AM
The best of both worlds At the heart of the marina
The Afternoon Tea Lounge The new dedicated afternoon tea lounge available all day every day. Quirky afternoon tea. Fresh Deli Menu. Coffees and Cocktails.
The Restaurant A stylish setting. Classic British and modern European dishes created using finest local produce. Daily seafood specials.
Quay 3 | Trawler Road | Maritime Quarter | Swansea | 01792 462251 | quaythree.co.uk
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TASTING NOTES Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Blanco £6.99 Really fresh and invigorating with intense and elegant aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, pineapple and some floral hints
Siglo Rioja Crianza £6.99 Lightly aromatic with characteristic sweet red berry fruit and a hint of perfumed oak, soft and warm finish. A hugely popular, easy drinking Rioja
Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva £15.95 An intense, well balanced palate, with a rich expression of ripe fruit, with sweet toasty notes, (coffee and chocolate), and a subtle finish that is long with good tannin and finesse
Rioja Rocks! We in Swansea seem to have a striking fondness for Rioja. There are three reasons why I’m a fan: quality control, a style guide on every bottle and wines that are aged for you and ready to drink. But what is Rioja? Rioja is a region around 65 miles long by 25 miles wide, flanking the west-east flow of the Ebro River in north Spain. It produces around 66 million gallons of wine every year, of which 90 per cent is red. Cool Atlantic climes give finesse to wines from higher western vineyards in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, while in the east the warmer Mediterranean climate influences Rioja Baja, which slopes down towards the sea. Red wines from Rioja are usually blends led by the headline grape of the region, Tempranillo. It’s a versatile grape that gives an exuberant, juicy strawberry character in young wines but also ages beautifully into a more savoury and rustic mode. This is in part why I believe Rioja appeals to fans of both New World fruit-driven reds as well as more classic styles such as Barolo and Bordeaux.
90 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 4QF 01792 644688 www.ndjohn.co.uk
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And this, my friends, is where a little knowledge goes a long way – every bottle is clearly marked with an indication of style which tells those in the know what to expect inside the bottle. Here there are three terms worth knowing. ‘Crianza’ is aged for one year in barrel and a few more months in bottle – a great
all-rounder for week nights with a dose of simple fruity flavour and a jot of trademark Rioja spice. ‘Reserva’ wines tend to be packed with more intense flavours, balanced between fruit and a tingling dose of warm Mediterranean herby, spicy depth. They are aged for at least a year in barrel and two years in bottle, and offer a real insight into Rioja’s quality without having to break the bank. Finally, the daddy of Rioja styles is ‘Gran Reserva’. These wines are iconic ambassadors for Rioja which are only put together in the finest vintages and pump out more evolved and developed earthy flavours. Two years ageing in oak casks and three in bottle soften these wines up for your Sunday roast – but you can consider ageing them for longer if you fancy amping up their rich savoury and rustic appeal. Rioja also makes highly palatable rosé which tends to be peachy and fruity and a fascinating range of whites. White blends are dominated by Viura, a grape which has snappy lemony vitality when young but if aged in barrels it thickens and enriches into creamier, nuttier flavours. We’ve long thought that we should try and get a Rioja Day to rival Beaujolais Day up and running in Swansea. With the ever increasing popularity of Rioja in these parts, maybe next year this could become a reality. I’ll raise a glass to that!
5/20/2016 11:49:39 AM
FOOD & DRINK
Three Best! of the
P E A N U T
B U T TE R
Home cooking with Sian Day ...owner of the catering business The Vintage Tea Company in Penllergaer.
Pip & Nut Peanut Butter, £2.30 for £250g (Sainsbury’s, Sketty) We can’t get enough of this velvety smooth nut butter - ooh, it’s good! All natural ingredients, zero palm oil, just pure nutty goodness. It’s quite runny, so you’ll probably be licking it off your chin, but this makes it extra perfect as a dip and for drizzling over, well, anything really.
Mini desserts (Eaton Mess & Tiramisu)
Meridian Coconut & Peanut Butter, £2.49 for 280g (Holland & Barrett, Swansea)
I love these little desserts. They are just enough after a meal to tickle that sweet tooth and they bring completion to a meal without leaving you full and bloated in the way a normal size helping of a dessert sometimes can.
We’ve long been fans of the Meridian nut butter range; so tasty and delightfully pure and good for you. The addition of coconut gives this gorgeously grainy peanut butter a sweet edge. Stir it into your porridge and you’ll never look back.
They look great and are easy to serve to guest. They can be prepped the day before you need to serve them or they can be thrown together quite quickly before guests arrive as they can chill down fast because of their pettiteness.
Hi-PRO Crunchy Peanut Butter, £2.70 for 454g (Sainsbury’s Swansea) Satisfyingly thick and filling, there’s 33% protein in every serving. Not a totally pure nut butter - this one does contain some palm oil (RSPO sustainability certified) and sweetener (sucralose), but aside from that, it’s 77% peanuts and utterly delicious. One for the high-protein fans.
Serve them in little shot or sherry glasses. You can use yogurt instead of cream in the Eton mess to make it healthier.
ETON MESS Serves 6
•150g double cream or yogurt • 150g summer fruits • 2 Meringue nests • 2 tsp of elderflower cordial
or sherry (optional) Whisk the cream to a thick but not stiff consistency and fold in the broken meringue pieces and fruit spoon carefully into the glasses and top with a fresh strawberry.
TIRAMISU • 300ml double cream • 125g Mascarpone • 100g Sponge fingers • 100ml Brewed coffee • 2 tsp Coffee liqueur • 1 tbls icing sugar • 1 tsp cocoa powder Break up the sponge and place into the bottom of the glasses pour over the coffee and liqueur until covered then whisk up the double cream and incorporate the mascarpone add in a little icing sugar to sweeten and dollop on top of the coffee sponge mixture then dust with cocoa powder and chill. Perfect for a dinner party or a midweek treat!
FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page, siandaydream.wordpress.com, Facebook or Tweet her @SianDay
96 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 11:59:14 AM
DELICIOUS. The Pavilion Llandarcy is a new and exciting restaurant and sports bar.
10% OFF
Bar Food Menu* Quote SL1
Settled on the bank within Llandarcy Academy of Sport overlooking a large decking. The Pavilion Llandarcy is the perfect venue to enjoy a drink or delicious traditional food with a modern twist.
Thursday Steak Night* Steak & Chips for Two only ÂŁ15
Sunday Lunch Eat in or order and collect from ÂŁ7.95
Booking Advised
Available from 12pm until 4pm. Booking Advised
Tel:01639 648688
pavilionllandarcy.com
THE
PAV I L I O N LLANDARCY
*10% discount applies to food menus only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Members discount does not apply **8oz sirloin steak only subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply.
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5/20/2016 4:56:28 PM
FOOD & DRINK
Norton House The perfect recipe for big success Tucked away just off Mumbles Road, its frontage, at least, hasn’t really changed all that much over the years. But walk inside Norton House and things are very different these days, as PETER SLEE found out... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
W
hen people ask me for restaurant recommendations in Swansea, I have a stock answer of three or four names. Norton House is usually always up there somewhere.
seasonal and the menu changes frequently, but it’s also the prices that stand out for they are reasonable given the quality of the cooking involved. The chefs achieve this by sourcing quality ingredients with what I presume is a George Osborne-like shrewdness.
Why? Well, the good food it serves up is at the top of the list. But so too is its consistency and unpretentiousness.
Last week’s evening menu was one of those packed with so many good things that making a final choice was agonising. Do I start with the smoked salmon platter, crab and ginger tartlet or parma ham-wrapped asparagus with a golden egg on top (£6.95)? It is the latter I eventually go for.
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve eaten there but I’ve not been served a below-par dish, and judging from friends who have also called in on our recommendation, it is a firm favourite with anyone wanting to eat out but who doesn’t want to blow the budget. It’s the attention to detail and the small things that sets it apart. First impressions? Well, on the decor front at least, ever so slightly 1990s. Think burgundycoloured carpets, dark woods, stripy wallpaper, flowery chairs and pendant ceiling lights. 2016 pared down minimalism it ain’t. But it’s such a warm, cosseting, wood-panelled cocoony kind of a place that I find it hard to hold all this against it.
It’s the attention to detail and the small things that sets it apart.
There are plenty of people nursing their drinks as we are taken to the bar area, many huddled around tables grouped closely to a series of leather sofas and chairs. A good few, I suspect, are fairly local. But given what is on offer in the restaurant, I reckon they are also being joined by those from further afield travelling in search of good food particularly its impressive seafood offerings. And so to what they serve up. The food here is modern in style, with occasional influences from further afield. Everything is
For main course, the likes of chicken with a pancetta and wild mushroom risotto and tarragon cream (£15.50), pan fried fillet of beef (£22.95) or fillet of sea bass on a chorizo and tomato cassoulet. God, I hate menus like that because I want to try it all. In the end, I stuck a pin in the menu and went with the chicken. I choose well. So too my dining partner who opts for beef which is melt in the mouth and languishing in a pool of sauce that helps cut through the richness of the meat itself.
Portions are generous and full of flavour. And - and this always counts in my book - a jug of iced water comes as a matter of course without having to be asked for. Give me good food and drink served up by smiling faces and I am a happy man. This is what you get here. And other than a slightly irritating muzak track playing in the background with sounds from the 80’s, this place has much to applaud and is all pretty much spot-on. In short, the personification of everything a local restaurant should be. More please!
Norton Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5TQ • Phone: 01792 404891 98 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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5/20/2016 12:03:27 PM
FOOD & DRINK
The personification of everything a local restaurant should be.
www.swansealife.co.uk | 99
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5/20/2016 12:03:46 PM
FOOD & DRINK
SPARKYNEWPLAYER If you love Italian food and live in Swansea, then you have probably encountered Mimo Cosimo’s wonderful cooking before. Now he’s heading up the kitchen in Baci Italian, a brand new arrival in Skewen. JENNY WHITE met him...
Mimo Cosimo needs little introduction: he’s been cooking at some of Swansea’s best Italian restaurants for well over a decade. Mimo ran the delightful Caffe Angeletto – remembered fondly and hungrily by many Swansea foodies – before creating Amore on Princess Way, then staying there when it became Mama Mia. Now he’s moved on from Mama Mia to start a new chapter as head chef at a delightful new Italian restaurant in Skewen. Baci Italian is the creation of Lulu and her team: Lulu previously ran Mama’s pizza parlour in Hafod. The experience sparked a love of Italian food which she is exploring more fully with Baci. With the help of Mimo and his sous chef Victor Baba – a skilled pizzaiolo (pizza chef) who previously worked with Mimo at Mama Mia – Lulu is able to offer everything from pasta to pizza; from beautiful a la carte dishes to gorgeous home-made Italian desserts. Besides being an eat-in restaurant, it also offers take-away, and there’s also a great kids’ menu that includes mini versions of classic favourites such as spaghetti and meatballs; spaghetti and pesto; pizza Margharita and ham and mushroom pizza. Lulu chose Baci’s location with care: she felt Skewen deserved an Italian restaurant, and she was also impressed by the size of the building. “The restaurant is big enough to accommodate up to 150, and that is definitely an advantage,” she says.
out washing pots and working his way up to become a head chef. He went on to spend 15 years cooking on cruise ships – a job that took him all over the world – before settling in Swansea. Throughout his travels, Mimo has remained true to the traditional Southern Italian cooking he learnt as a boy, first from his mother and then in restaurants. Some of the dishes on the menu at Baci can be traced right back to his childhood: one of his personal favourites is the Baci tagliatelle, which features Parma ham, mushroom, fresh tomato, cream, parmesan cheese, butter and nutmeg. Other dishes have been created specifically for Baci, and look sure to put the restaurant on the map. A stand out example is slow cooked lamb shank in red wine sauce with Italian frittata and mashed potato, the lamb falling off the bone and the sauce rich with the taste of red wine.
I want customers to enjoy great Italian food cooked by an amazing Italian chef with over 30 years’ experience
The restaurant’s warm, modern interior has been created with a mind for seating large groups, family groups and couples comfortably: there are cosy booths for smaller groups, but you could also hold a party there with no difficulty. For large groups, buffet meals are also an option, and Mimo is always happy to adapt the menu to individual tastes. However large of small the group, Lulu’s mission remains the same: “I want them to enjoy great Italian food cooked by an amazing Italian chef with over 30 years’ experience,” she says. Mimo grew up in Tarranto in Southern Italy, in a family where everyone had their own ideas about what makes great food. “There were lots of family arguments about the best way to cook something!” he says. His work in the catering industry started very early: he recalls helping to serve coffees from the age of eight or nine. As soon as he was old enough he entered the industry properly, starting
Mimo prides himself on making almost everything from scratch, so expect truly home made breads and sauces, and traditional home-made Italian desserts such as Tiramisu, Italian chocolate cake and vanilla pannacotta. Victor excels with the pizzas: typical examples range from favourites such as Hawaiian or four cheese through to the Baci special featuring Bolognese, mozzarella, chicken, Italian sausage, fire roasted peppers and rocket.
“Victor and I work together very well – it’s great to have him here with me: we are like a family,” says Mimo, who works hard to source the best ingredients for his meals, including local meats, fish and vegetables. Just six weeks after opening, the restaurant is already getting great online feedback, and Lulu loves seeing her customers’ delighted response to the food. “I love talking with the customers, seeing them enjoy their food and being happy,” she says. “I think we are unique in the area in terms of the type of food and dining experience we offer.” Meanwhile, Mimo and Victor are loving their new roles, and share Lulu’s determination to put Baci firmly on the map for diners from Skewen and further afield. “This job is a new adventure, and I’m really enjoying it,” he says. “We aim to be as successful as possible, and it’s good to see customers coming back for more. I’m pleased to say we’ve had great feedback so far.”
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FOOD & DRINK
The lowdown
Mimo Cosimo Favourite place to unwind in Swansea If it’s a nice day I like to walk on the promenade. Greatest influence on my cooking My family. When I was growing up in Italy we always used to fight about who could cook better. I learnt a lot from my mum – she cooked all the time, and I used to go into the kitchen, steal some of her fresh bread and dip it into her home-made tomato sauce. Best local ingredient to cook with All the greens – I love fresh herbs. Favourite comfort food I usually eat in a hurry so most of the time I have pasta or pizza. My favourite dish is one that I cook at Baci: spaghetti with tiger prawns, garlic chilli, extra olive oil, fresh tomato and parsley. Dish I’m most proud of I especially like the fish dishes; we are always changing our fish depending on what is available. I especially like the pan fried sea bass with fritatta, arrabbiata sauce and creamed potato.
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SPECIAL OFFER
Lunch time menu £9.95 Available every day 12 - 3pm
EVENING MENU
Mon - Thurs 6 - 9.45pm 2 Courses £13.99 3 Course meal £16.99 Specials board available includes catch of the day fresh fish and home made ravioli
Lunch & evening menus - check out our specials board. Also, choose from the individually priced a la carte menu. A La Carte Restaurant Open everyday 12noon - 9.45pm (last orders) Serving delicious lunchtime and evening a la carte menus and daily specials
Gallini’s Brasserie
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN & FISH DISHES A SPECIALITY Convenient nearby parking available after 6pm Tel: 01792 456285 • Fax: 01792 467795 Unit 3, Fishmarket Quay, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1UP
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SPECIAL OFFER Lunch time £3.99 served between 12 - 3pm
EVENING MENU Served Monday - Saturday 6pm - 9.45pm 2 Courses £9.99 Special menu available
STEAK NIGHT
Every Wednesday 6pm - 9.45pm With every 2 meals get a complementary bottle of wine
Experience Contemporary Fine Dining influenced by Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, Turkish and French cuisines
28 Windsor Road, Neath SA11 1LU For reservations and enquiries, please call: 01639 643741 www.lamemobrasserie.co.uk/Neath
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Swansea University’s Great Hall Café Bar and Restaurant
Thank you for nominating us for the Swansea Life Awards in the Café Culture category!
now open
Voting is open until 8th June!
Monday to Wednesday 11am-5pm
Thursday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Choose from a sophisticated menu while enjoying the spectacular views over Swansea Bay Enjoy tapas, sharing platters, fine wines and craft beers, or try one of our daily specials
Sunday lunch 11am-3pm
sunday Enjoy roastaontraditional Sundays All of ourwith Sunday lunches are served locally sourced vegetables, choose from one, or three courses. two
11am-3pm
Swansea University, Fabian Way, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8EN
Tel: 01792 513170
www.swansea.ac.uk/catering
/greathallcafe
CHRISTENINGS • FUNERALS WEDDINGS • ENGAGEMENTS BIRTHDAYS • CORPORATE EVENTS
Perfect s g n i d d We s p o t e e r at T
New Vogue Photobooth Not to be beaten for quality or price FREE memory book for bride & groom Selfe pod also available
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CompeTITIVe
5/20/2016 8:50:35 AM
FOOD & DRINK Webber BBQ Summit E470, £2,099, Brisco, Gorseinon
Feel the heat...
BBQ time! It's official. Summer is well and truly on its way, so it's time to dust off the barbecue and prepare to hot-foot it to the supermarket meat aisle. LAURA DAVIES looks at how to grill to perfection... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Clean and oil the BBQ
Buy a thermometer
Get in the zone
Smoke it out
Before and after every session, you should clean and oil your grill. Get it nice and hot to burn off any crud, then, using tongs, rub over with a kitchen towel dipped in a light cooking oil. This keeps your grill hygienic as well as helping prevent food from sticking to the bars.
Overcooking is as sinful as undercooking. Invest in a good instant read thermometer - so you know the exact temperature of the meat - and take away the guesswork. You’ll always know the chicken is cooked through and you’ll be able to serve up the perfect medium-rare steak.
Set up your BBQ so you have two cooking zones, one directly over the flames for searing, the other cooler to allow the meat to cook through indirectly. You can cook anything from sausages and burgers through to whole joints of meat this way. With a charcoal grill, just pile your coals to one side. With a gas grill, keep the burners medium-high on one side and low-off on the other.
Smoke is a seasoning so learn to add subtle smoke flavour to your food. Wrap woodchips up in a couple of layers of thick foil and pierce a few times before throwing onto the grill over the gas burners. With a charcoal BBQ, just throw the chips straight onto the coals and close the lid. Our favourite woods to smoke with are cherry, pecan and hickory.
Be patient
Meat benefits from a generous seasoning prior to cooking. This base rub will work well particularly on pork and chicken. Use this is a starting point to develop your own, according to the flavours you enjoy...
True BBQ takes time and patience. The meat is done when it’s done - don’t try and rush things. When grilling, learn to control your fire and keep the heat consistent. Keep a spritz bottle full of water handy and douse flames that start getting out of hand.
Don’t fiddle or poke!
BBQ READY! Prepare to sizzle with LAURA DAVIES pick of BBQ essentials from food, to BBQ’s to the all important cooking utensils...
Give it a rub
Blue Salad Servers, £2.99, Homesense, £2.99 Parc Fforestfach
• 4tbsp paprika • 2tbsp salt
And definitely don’t squeeze. Once you’ve put the meat on the grill, just leave it. You should only turn once or twice through cooking. Squashing burgers and steaks down on the grill just squeezes out all the lovely the juice and causes flare-ups.
• 1tbsp celery salt or garlic powder
Leave sauces ‘til the end
• 2tbsp chilli powder
BBQ sauces and glazes have a high sugar content that will burn very quickly and go bitter. Cook your meat through and then glaze/sauce towards the end and allow to go sticky over indirect heat.
GET
Portland Kettle Charcoal BBQ, £49.99, Homebase, Swansea
• 2tbsp white sugar • 2tbsp brown sugar • 2tbsp cumin • 2tbsp black pepper • 1tbsp cayenne pepper or chipotle Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and store in an air tight container.
Blue BBQ Bucket Grill, £29.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre
Jamaican Jerk Spatchcock, £6, M&S, Swansea
Barbecook Apron with 4-Piece Tool Set, £44.95, John Lewis, Cardiff
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Sundae best! We're hardly basking in full sunshine, but us Swansea Jacks don't let a little thing like the weather stop us from indulging in summer's sweetest snack: ice cream. The city has more than its fair share of fabulous ice cream parlours, from traditional Italian gelaterias to posh purveyors of knickerbocker glories. You can even create your own bespoke flavours. LAURA DAVIES has been checking out the cream of the crop... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Fresco Cafe
Head down to Fresco Café and Ice Cream Parlour to get your hands on some homemade ice cream. Enjoy a walk around Swansea Marina before picking up one of 20 different flavoured ice creams. Take your pick from flavours such as bubble gum, cheesecake and even jaffa cake ice cream. Prices: Adults get a scoop of ice cream of their choice for £1.70, two scoops for 2.30 and three scoops for 3.70. Kids get a bargain for £1.30 for one scoop of ice cream going up a pound each time for any additional scoop. What We Love: Their Nutella flavour ice cream is divine and tastes exactly the same but frozen Where is it? Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 3RD Opening times: 9am to 6pm every day Visit: www.facebook.com/fresco.swansea
Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour
The sacred ice-cream recipe has remained unchanged for more than a century. The family owned shop not only has a shop in Mumbles, but also in St Helen’s Road and Llansamlet. Visit the Mumbles shop and grab yourself an ice cream while talking a walk along the promenade. Prices: One scoop is £1.50, two scoops for £2.45 and three scoops for £3.50 What we Love: You cannot go wrong with an old school vanilla ice cream from Joe’s. But you have to have sprinkles on top, they just make it! Opening times: Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm; Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm; Saturday 9.30am - 6.30pm; Sunday 11am till 6.30pm; Take away service is open until 7:30pm Where is it? Mumbles Road, Mumbles, SA3 4DH Visit: www.joes-icecream.com
Forte’s
Watch the waves role in at Bracelet Bay and enjoy a great ice cream at Forte’s ice cream parlour in Mumbles. Enjoy one of your favourite ice creams while enjoying the beautiful views of Bracelet Bay. Why not bring your pet dogs to the parlour on your visit. Prices: One scoop of vanilla ice cream is £1.40, £2.40 for a double scoop and £4.20 for a triple scoop. For other flavours, it is £1.70 for one scoop, £3.10 for two scoops and £4.40 for three scoops. What we Love: Forte’s is a dog friendly parlour so even your pets can enjoy an ice cream while having fun in the sun Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 9.30am till 9pm Where is it? Bracelet Bay, Swansea, SA3 4JT
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Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores selling premium ice cream, ice cream cakes, and frozen beverages. And we are lucky enough to have one here in Swansea. With 31 different flavoured ice creams as well as a pick of the month there is plenty to choose from. Struggling to find ice cream that will suit your dietary requirements? Baskin and Robbins have an ingredient book which includes all their ice creams in. So don’t be afraid to double check with them, they’ll be prepared. Prices: For one scoop, £1.10, £2.25 for a larger one scoop, £4.55 for two scoops, and £5.95 for three scoops. What We Love: You cannot go to Baskin-Robins and not get a cotton candy flavoured ice cream. Its pink and purple in colour, what more is there to ask for!
Kaspas
Opening times: Monday to Saturday – 10am till 6pm. Sunday – 11am till 6pm Where is it? 23 Nelson Street, Swansea, SA1 3QE. Visit: www.baskinrobbins.co.uk
Kaspas gelato and desert house offers various hot and cold desserts under one roof. With over 24 flavours of ice cream to choose from, including gluten and lactose free ice cream, you will be stuck for choice. And it offers takeaway ice cream – so you can eat them in the sunshine! Prices: Prices: Ice cream here starts at £2.95 for one scoop and is only an extra pound per additional scoop What we Love: The caramel crunch is highly recommended. The ice cream sundae has vanilla pod and toffee butterscotch ice cream scoops, with caramel sauce drizzled over and then crushed digestives sprinkled on top. Yum! Opening Times: Call in anytime from 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and from midday till 11pm on Sundays Where is it? 19-20 Castle Street, Swansea, SA1 1JF
Beach Hut Cafe
Beach Hut café is perfectly positioned near Mumbles Pier. With over twenty flavour ice creams to choose from you are absolutely spoilt for choice. Enjoy a stroll on the pier – how British seaside is that! Prices: For one scoop of any flavoured ice cream is priced at £1.60, two scoops £2.95 and three scoops is £4.25. What we Love: I love the various flavours they offer you. There are flavours you don’t normally see anywhere else like Haribo cola flavour. Now how cool is that?
Verdi’s
Where is it? Old Lifeboat Cottage, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, SA3 4EN
A great setting overlooking the water. And the ice-creams look too amazing to even touch! You will be spoilt for choice with over 30 various flavours to pick from. Talk about ice cream heaven! Prices: Prices for a takeaway ice cream start from £1.20 What we love: Getting a tub with Donatella and Cookies and Crème flavoured ice creams is just amazing. The flavours are so delicious, it gets your mouth watering just thinking of one. Opening times: Open from 10am every day until 9pm Where is it? Knab Rock, Mumbles, SA3 4EN Visit: www.verdis-cafe.co.uk
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No6hundred Independent Coffee Shop & Gift Boutique on Clydach Road Ynystawe
Afternoon Teas served Monday - Saturday Late night opening once a month Open one Sunday a month (please see FB for details) Private party hire available Opening times: 8.30am – 5.30pm Mon – Sat
600 Clydach Road, Ynystawe, SA6 5AY
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House & home
DREAM HOME (page 110) THROUGH THE KEYHOLE (page 116) LESLEY TAYLOR (page 121) GARDENING WITH JOSEPH ATKIN (page 130)
LBS Home & Garden, 22 Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, SA19 6NL • 01558 823900 LBS Neath, Neath Abbey Road, Neath SA10 7BR • 01639 646511 LBS Port Talbot, Unit 5, Cramic Way, Port Talbot SA13 1RU • 01639 884433
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HOUSE & HOME
DREAM Family gem is
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HOME tucked away
Parents Matthew and Sophie Pelosi fell in love with a family member’s home which they went on to transform and enjoy with their two daughters. As Swansea Life magazine’s CHRIS CAMPBELL discovers...
atthew and Sophie Pelosi bought their open-plan countryside home in Swansea when it was a small bungalow and have transformed it into the perfect family property.
there.” The two bedroom bungalow was converted into a contemporary family home, building up into the considerable roof space to create two new bedrooms and bathrooms.
With an impressive open family/kitchen room, four double bedrooms, a Juliet balcony with countryside views and a patio area overlooking a long back garden, perfect for warm days, they say it has been the perfect place to bring up children.
It now comes complete with a wood burner, a large kitchen/diner/ family room with underfloor heating, a master bedroom with an en suite and another three double bedrooms, two of which are used by children Freya, 14 and Evie, 7. Freya and Evie also have a good size playroom to enjoy.
The couple bought 5 Manselfield Road in Murton, which used to be Sophie’s grandmother’s home, at auction seven years ago. They then spent around 15 months extending the back of the 1920s property by about eight metres, creating an upstairs, altering the front exterior and improving the back garden. And all, surprisingly, went without a hitch.
There is a large sun terrace to the back of the house paved in Indian stone. Also, a timber raised decked area which is surrounded by fields and a timber-built summer house, on the lawn.
M
Matthew says: “It was a complete renovation but there were no hold-ups. We took the back out eight metres and built on from
Views can be enjoyed over open countryside to the side and back of the property. Matthew says there is nothing better than to open the bi-folding windows in the master bedroom, out towards the back garden and those views. www.swansealife.co.uk | 111
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HOUSE & HOME
“We love having the doors open when we wake up and we also watch the sun go down. It’s so peaceful.”
He says the idea was to make the most of the space the property offered as well as keeping it as light as possible.
But his favourite space is the kitchen/diner/breakfast room, where the family and guests that visit, gather.
There is an entrance hall with an understairs cupboard and tiled flooring and a sitting room with a double-glazed bay window to the front, an exposed brick fireplace and stripped and painted floorboards. There is a cloakroom too with a double-glazed window and limestone flooring.
It is fitted with a Sigma kitchen with granite worktops, a Belling range cooker, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, stainless steel sink and a TV point. There is limestone floor tiling with underfloor heating and two double-glazed concertina doors to the back garden. Also, a door to the utility room. Sophie fell in love with the tucked-away country home after walking there after school as a youngster, to visit her nan. At the time it looked very different to the contemporary style it has now, with its 1970s decor - mainly brown and mustard throughout. After meeting Sophie, DIY lover Matthew later fell in love with the property too and could see the potential in it as a project. His handiwork is evident almost everywhere you look in the house, with its stylish and high quality fittings.
Upstairs, the master bedroom and second bedroom both have built-in wardrobes. Dedicated storage space can be found on the landing.
“We love having the doors open when we wake up and we also watch the sun go down. It’s so peaceful.”
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“A little bit of luxury can be found in the en suite, which has a Jacuzzi shower.”
Meanwhile, a little bit of luxury can be found in the en suite, which has a Jacuzzi shower. The decor boasts neutral colours throughout the home, with splashes of colour, including pink and blue, on bedroom walls upstairs. Outside, to the front of the house, is a gravelled driveway with offroad parking for seven cars. Matthew and Sophie, who previously lived in Newton and will be moving nearby, say they will be sad to leave the village, which has a great community feel. The property is close to both Bishopston Comprehensive School and Newton Primary School.
“We have fantastic neighbours,” Matthew adds. “There is a post office up the road and a pub on the corner. There is a park for the kids and a walk in the woods up to Caswell.”
Property: 5 Manselfield Road, Murton, SA3 3AP Who lives here: Matthew and Sophie Pelosi and their two daughters Freya and Evie Price: Offers in the region of £495,000 Bedrooms: 4 Agent: John Francis, Mumbles
76 Newton Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BE Phone: 01792 360060 mumbles@johnfrancis.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk | 113
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NEW
NEW
Regionally 18 offices throughout the region
Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain
Internationally Plus 75 offices globally
5000 professional associates all around the world
LADY HOUSTY AVENUE NORTON
CASWELL BAY ROAD CASWELL
A truly exceptional family home, modern and glamorous, warm and welcoming, offering the epitome of luxurious living. This deceptively spacious detached home offers a myriad of design features with a bold design and luxurious accessories. The five bedroomed house incorporates a popular open plan layout and is arranged over three floors. Benefiting from ample parking and enclosed rear garden. EPC C
Commanding a prominent position with impressive views over Caswell Bay. This detached four bedroomed home dates back to the mid-1800’s and has been meticulously renovated using top of the range fixtures and quality workmanship throughout. The thoughtful renovation has created a minimalistic and stylish family friendly home. Benefiting from a double garage, parking, roof terrace and gardens. EPC G
£895,000
£795,000
NEW
NEW
KNELSTON REYNOLDSTON
AEL-Y-DON LANGLAND
This charming four bedroomed character property is situated in the Gower village of Knelston, set within two acres with stables and established garden. The surprisingly spacious cottage has the pleasure of vaulted and beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls and a cosy log fire. The house has all the appeal of a snug cottage, yet it is deceptively large, with vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light. EPC D
An architect designed converted coach house finished to a very high standard and benefiting from clean lines, simple proportions with a preferred open plan layout and an abundance of natural light. Situated moments from the family friendly Langland Bay and benefitting from mesmerising, panoramic sea views. There is a manicured communal garden with gate onto the coastal path and a car parking space. EPC C
£575,000
£420,000
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com Fine & Country Swansea @FineSwansea
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NEW
NEW
Regionally 18 offices throughout the region
NEWTON VILLAS NEWTON
MUMBLES ROAD MUMBLES
Situated in a quiet position with private access into Under Hill Park. Recently constructed and incorporating sustainable eco-efficient technologies. Presented beautifully and offering three receptions, open-plan kitchen/living/ dining room and cloakroom. With five double bedrooms and four bath/ shower rooms. Gated entrance, parking, double garage with gardens and a decked terrace to the rear. EPC B
The Orchard has the pleasure of sea-views, ample parking, garage, established gardens and a self- contained annexe which is beautifully presented and offers additional accommodation. To the main house there are two receptions, kitchen/breakfast room and W.C. To the first floor: Three double bedrooms and family bathroom, with balcony off the master bedroom benefiting from sea views. EPC F
£950,000
£625,000
Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain
Internationally Plus 75 offices globally
5000 professional associates all around the world
LLANARTHNEY CARMARTHEN
ALLT-Y-CHAM DRIVE PONTARDAWE
An impressive country house situated to enjoy country views. Set in approx 50 acres with 25 acres of woodland, established gardens, two lakes with lakeside decked terrace. The main dwelling offers an open plan kitchen/family room with preparation kitchen, four receptions and four double bedrooms. There is a detached two storey studio/office which could suit a variety of purposes. EPC F
Offering a unique opportunity to purchase a superior farmhouse with two equally impressive barn conversions that are currently used as successful holiday lets. Originally one very generous home, currently split into a generous main family home and two, three bedroomed, five-star holiday retreats. This versatile property could easily be converted back to one dwelling if required. EPC C & D & D
£1,200,000
£849,950
CILONEN ROAD THREE CROSSES
CHURCH PARK MUMBLES
Offering a highly versatile and spacious family home set within approx 15 acres with a range of generous out-buildings, stables, indoor manège and paddocks. The property is subject to an agricultural tie which limits the sale of the property as defined by Section 290 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971. Both the property, out buildings and gardens are in need of attention. EPC D
Located in the heart of the charming coastal village of Mumbles and situated to enjoy sea, castle and church views. This architect designed classic five bed Victorian terrace is set over three floors and has been meticulously renovated and extended. It is finished to a very high standard and the original features have been retained. There is off road parking, front and rear gardens. EPC D
£825,000
£595,000
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com Fine & Country Swansea @FineSwansea
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HOUSE & HOME
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
OASIS OF TRANQUILLITY The nephew of a famous Welsh explorer used to deliver milk to the family living in this secluded Victorian property in Swansea leaving a treasured memory. As Swansea Life’s CHRIS CAMPBELL finds out... chris.campbell@swwmedia.co.uk
Camellias and tomatoes have been enjoyed by the Giles family in the gorgeous gardens of this Victorian Swansea home. The previous owners of Ty Nant, on Farm Lane in Sketty, were market gardeners and would sell everything from tomatoes and chrysanthemums all grown in greenhouses on the site. Heart-shaped wreaths can still be found in one of the outbuildings, that is part of a plot of land on the grounds that has planning permission and is included in the sale. The family’s neighbouring farmer was Edgar Evans, of Cwm Farm, named after his uncle who was a crucial member of Captain Robert Scott’s South Pole expedition team. He would walk up the lane and deliver the full cream jersey milk every day. Owner Philippa Giles says: “It was fresh from the cows and used to have a deep creamy top. Many of our childrens’ friends enjoyed the rice pudding and sometimes ice-cream that we made using that milk.” A trickling stream runs around the perimeter of the grounds. The family’s children and their friends have enjoyed badminton on the lawn, as well as cricket and the odd water slide. Philippa adds: “It’s very sheltered because of the surrounding trees. It’s so peaceful and full of bird song, but you’re minutes from everything. “We spent a huge amount of time in the garden, whether having a cup of tea on the front porch or on the terrace, or a drink in the garden when the weather is nice.
them for family meals. She has also appreciated having three reception rooms that interconnect. “We put the kitchen where the view was and turned it into a big, family kitchen,” she says. “We are all keen cooks and we always had dinner together. “There are three front rooms that all look out to sea. They’re flexible and whoever moves in can do as they wish with them and put the kitchen where they like. “People could put their own stamp on it. What we did is make sure the building is in great condition. There are lovely, big square rooms with high ceilings.” Climbing wisteria adds to the house’s instant appeal and with its original floor tiles intact and room to sit comfortably soaking up the views ahead, it has proved to be a cherished spot for the whole family and their friends.
As you enter the home you can immediately appreciate the features that are typical of the Victorian era
“It’s like a secret garden and when you walk around the front you get an uninterrupted view of Swansea Bay. “As soon as you drive up the driveway a blanket of tranquillity falls over you, away from the bustle of the city. There’s a beautiful circular walk close by too, when you walk down Cwm Farm Lane, across Mumbles Road, along the beach and back through Singleton Park.” Ms Giles and the family moved into the five bedroom house in 1989. The house was empty and they spent 15 years restoring the property and making it their own. The work included installing new windows throughout and turning the driveway at the front into a terrace where they could sit. They have also repaired the front porch, making sure to keep its character. Philippa’s favourite room is the kitchen, which has an Aga and is where the family always welcomed friends to join
As you enter the home you can immediately appreciate the features that are typical of the Victorian era, including high ceilings, deep skirting boards, stained glass windows, coving and picture rails. The lounge has a wood burner, picture rail, coving and plenty of book shelving, with a door to a useful storage room. There is a further versatile room, which is currently utilised as a second kitchen/breakfast room and is again generous, light and airy with French doors leading onto the terrace connecting the home and the gardens.
Also situated on the ground floor is a large, back porch with a tiled floor and a pitched roof. There is a generous storage room, walk in pantry, utility, which is plumbed for laundry appliances, study and ground floor shower room. On the first floor are the five bedrooms and a family bathroom, with a separate shower cubicle and WC. Three large bedrooms have sea views and there are two smaller bedrooms which are ideal childrens’ bedrooms. The master bedroom is spacious, with an original fireplace and a dressing room with built-in wardrobes. Wales National Pool in Sketty is a five minute walk from the house, as is Singleton Park and Singleton Hospital and Swansea Tennis and Squash Club above the playing fields. Gower and Swansea city centre are also close by. Philippa adds: “It’s country living, but we’re in the city. The house offers lots of fun for children, there is plenty of space and it’s safe.”
Property: Ty Nant, Sketty Lessons learnt: “We put the kitchen where the view was and turned it into a big, family kitchen.” Price: £899,950 Bedrooms: 5 Agent: Fine and Country Swansea • 01792 367301 116 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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LLaNaRTh Aberaeron Office 01545 570990 | aberaeron@johnfrancis.co.uk
LLaNdEiLO ROad gORSLaS, LLaNELLi Ammanford Office 01269 592401 | ammanford@johnfrancis.co.uk
www.johnfrancis.co.uk
OffERS iN ThE REgiON Of
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£595,000
c
C
Situated in an elevated position within the village of Llanarth, some 3 miles from the sandy beaches and popular coastal resort of New Quay this is an opportunity not to be missed! Comprising of a former farmhouse an adjoining 2 Bedroom and 2 Bath roomed cottage (which could be easily altered to provide further accommodation to the main dwelling) and a further self contained holiday cottage, converted from the former stone outbuilding. There is further potential to create a further self contained cottage, by utilising a further part of the outbuilding - subject to planning consent. To the exterior, the property is set on a large plot, with a large central parking area providing ample off road car parking and a mainly lawned gardens. The property is currently rated as 4 Star accommodation by the Welsh Tourist Board and this really is an ideal business for those seeking a family home with an income! EER 37
OffERS iN ThE REgiON Of
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£520,000
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a rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a registered smallholding with approximately 10 acres. The main property comprises a 3/4 bedroom house completed in 2011. There is also a detached cottage in need of renovation which offers potential for an annex or holiday cottage and a building plot with the benefit of outline planning permission for one dwelling, Planning Ref: W/32405 granted on 9/09/15. The property has underfloor heating throughout provided by a ground source heat pump and this system attracts government Rhi payments until 2021, currently at £641 per quarter. also installed is a rainwater harvesting system which services all WC’s, washing machine and outside taps. There is also a solar thermal panel installed on the roof. a feature of the property is a gallery landing and seating area with views over the land surrounding the property. Further benefits are a shower room, family bathroom and a separate WC. The land surrounds the property and is suitable for a variety of uses.
www.johnfrancis.co.uk ©LW
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PencadeR,
OffeRS In the ReGIOn Of
£520,000
caRmaRthen Carmarthen Office 01267 233111 | carmarthen@johnfrancis.co.uk
Rarely does a property of this standard come on the market, offering 40 acres approximately of land with a superb three bedroom detached bungalow, having an elevated position with some rural views overlooking most of its own land and also various outbuildings including a workshop and garage, multi purpose outbuilding, all having been kept to an excellent standard. Grounds and gardens surround the property, ample parking and turning area, the bungalow has oil central heating, double glazing, some superb vies to fore. Internal viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate what the property has to offer. Suitable for various uses including equestrian, with 40 acres of land which is one block.
PRInceS Gate,
OffeRS In the ReGIOn Of
£375,000
naRBeRth Narberth Office 01834 861812 | narberth@johnfrancis.co.uk
LaRGe famILY hOme WIth B& B POtentIaL If you are looking for a spacious family home with a potential annex you need to view hidden Springs. hidden Springs is a beautifully presented 5 bedroom house with potential 1 bedroom annexe (StP) with stunning, far reaching views of the Preselli hills, set in approximately 1 acre of well presented gardens. It has been tastefully renovated to a high, modern standard but with character features making it a lovely family home or dual living or business potential having previously been run as a bed and breakfast with separate letting annexe but currently used as a large family home. The accommodation is set over two floors with the potential annexe situated to the ground floor comprising of office, utility, 17 ft lounge/dining and shower room, the main house has a 40ft lounge/dining area with dual aspect patio doors opening out onto a decked veranda overlooking the garden and views, kitchen/breakfast room, study/music room, 5 bedrooms, 3 ensuite and family bathroom
www.johnfrancis.co.uk
www.johnfrancis.co.uk
©LW
©LW
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SouThWArd LAnE, LAngLAnd, LAngLAnd
*** Breathtaking Views ***
A fabulous detached house in Langland offering a bright, spacious and pretty home with accommodation comprising three double bedrooms (two en-suites), two reception rooms, kitchen, garden room, ground floor WC and a double garage. The property is in good order but does offer huge potential for extending subject to planning permission.
www.johnfrancis.co.uk
offErS in ThE rEgion of
ÂŁ545,000
Externally there is a carriage driveway to the front of the house which offers ample off street parking. To the rear there is a lovely south facing garden. The position of the property is excellent being only a short walk from Langland Bay and all the amenities, boutiques and eateries of Mumbles Village are just around the corner.
Mumbles Office Tel 01792 360060 mumbles@johnfrancis.co.uk ŠLW
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HOUSE & HOME
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S OA K U P T H E S U N We can only hope we’ve seen the last of the April showers, and that the bright and breezy days of British Summer are just around the corner. I find summer to be the perfect inspiration for giving the home a little burst of sunshine: from butter yellow feature walls to sky blue headboards join me in embracing the radiance of summertime... If all you want is to spruce up a few rooms in your home this season, then take some creative vision from everything around you this summer. From sunrise to sunset, the colours of summer are a good place to inject some character into a room, as all you need are a few highlights of citrus green or cherry red to give a space a completely new and fresh look. Should you be to looking to redecorate on a grander scale, why not look at the usually busy and family oriented space in your home, the kitchen? A kitchen can be completely transformed with a lick of vibrant coloured paint, like sunflower yellow, and be softened by subtle white accents or selection of wooden furniture to create a balanced, modern country look. For example, awaken a Provence style breakfast table with a few white steel chairs and use an oversized industrial lampshade to act as a centrepiece. The vivid hues associated with a sunny colour palette are sure to enhance your kitchen and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of your friends and family to enjoy – even if it’s cold outside!
can be opened up to the garden this barbeque season? The simple addition of an acid green table runner or bunch of fresh flowers will just bring more to the feeling of summertime. Freshly cut flowers are not the only way to bring the garden into your home, as nothing says summer quite like the wild nature of floral wallpaper and soft furnishings. For me, there is no better place to indulge this naturalistic and homely look than in your master bedroom. Be brave and introduce a strong floral print across your window space, using white as your main accent colour across the walls to quieten the elaborate nature of flower patterns. Coordinate the look with a few large cushions across the bed in the same fabric and you will create a look that is high
2
If your kitchen doesn’t need attention, why not inject some summer punch into your dining room? When it comes to picking furniture, remember a dining room doesn’t need to fit the set table and four-chair formula anymore. Instead, why not try an extra long oak table and pair it with bench style seating dotted with mismatched cushions to create a sociable dining area that www.swansealife.co.uk | 121
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We can only hope we’ve seen the last of the April showers, and that the bright and breezy days of British Summer are just around the corner. I find summer to be the perfect inspiration for giving the home a little burst of sunshine: from butter yellow feature walls to sky blue headboards join me in embracing the radiance of summertime... If all you want is to spruce up a few rooms in your home this season, then take some creative vision from everything around you this summer. From sunrise to sunset, the colours of summer are a good place to inject some character into a room, as all you need are a few highlights of citrus green or cherry red to give a space a completely new and fresh look. Should you be to looking to redecorate on a grander scale, why not look at the usually busy and family oriented space in your home, the kitchen? A kitchen can be completely transformed with a lick of vibrant coloured paint, like sunflower yellow, and be softened by subtle white accents or selection of wooden furniture to create a balanced, modern country look. For example, awaken a Provence style breakfast table with a few white steel chairs and use an oversized industrial lampshade to act as a centrepiece. The vivid hues associated with a sunny colour palette are sure to enhance your kitchen and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of your friends and family to enjoy – even if it’s cold outside! If your kitchen doesn’t need attention, why not inject some summer punch into your dining room? When it comes to picking furniture, remember a dining room doesn’t need to fit the set table and four-chair formula anymore. Instead, why not try an extra long oak table and pair it with bench style seating dotted
4
1. Nothing shouts summer like a splash of sunflower yellow paint when paired with natural wooden furniture. www.sanderson-uk.com 0844 543 9500 available to buy from the Taylor’s ETC showroom. 2. Bring blossoming floral prints into the bedroom with a selection of cherry reds, lavender and apple greens through a variety of furnishings. www.sanderson-uk.com 0844 543 9500 available to buy from the Taylor’s ETC showroom. 3. Table runners aren’t just for special occasions. This table has been decorated with a runner in a refreshing lime shade to create an inviting and fun space. Find out more about these textiles at www.villanova.co.uk 01623 756 699 or purchase from the Taylor’s Etc showroom. 4. Brighten your hallway with a striking set of neutral decorative tiles for a welcoming entrance to your home. www.bakedtiles.co.uk or buy from the Taylor’s ETC showroom. 5. Create a striking feature wall in your bathroom with a subtle mist green and cream colour combination for the summer; check it out at www.bakedtiles.co.uk or buy from the Taylor’s ETC showroom.
Interior Designer and member of the BIID, Lesley Taylor is the Design Director of Taylor’s Etc based in Cardiff. 02920 358 400 www.taylorsetc.co.uk 122 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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FOUR OF OUR ExcLUSivE pROpERtiES FOR SALE Meridian Bay, Maritime Quarter
£130,000
Herbert Thomas Way, Birchgrove
This stylish, one bedroom apartment briefly comprises an open-plan lounge and kitchen, master bedroom and family bathroom. The integrated kitchen includes a fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. Enjoy stunning views over Swansea Bay from the comfort of a modern lounge. Perfect for investment or residential living. Viewing is highly recommended! EPC D65.
Overton Lane, Port Eynon, Swansea
£425,000
£156,995 A modern, three bedroom, detached house in a cul-de-sac location. Adjacent to the main thoroughfare on a residential development by Bellway Homes, the property is ideally placed for J44 of the M4 motorway and. Features a lounge, integrated kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs cloak rook and to first floor a master bedroom with ensuite shower room, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. Integral garage and rear lawned garden. EPC - C72.
West Cross Lane, West Cross
Tucked away amidst the idyllic rural hamlet of Overton is a lovely 5 bedroom cottage, overlooking the village green Carefully restored to blend the rustic charm of a Victorian residence with modern features, enjoying three reception rooms, a farmhouse kitchen, downstairs shower room and laundry room. Superb outlook over Port Eynon and south and west facing mature gardens. Ample off road parking is available. EPC - 26
£445,000 A unique 4/5 bedroom, detached house. Architect designed to fulfil the requirements of family life and situated close to local primary schools, Welsh school and a variety of shops. Comprising three en suite bath/shower rooms, two reception rooms, conservatory and a loft room to be utilised as a fifth bedroom. Lawned garden. Garage and car port parking. EPC - 67.
Swansea 01792 448433 Marina 01792 645566 Mumbles 01792 365960
Your key to life on Swansea Marina South Quay
Pocketts Wharf Two bedroom, third floor apartment with lift access. 2 large double bedrooms. Electric heating. Large open plan lounge/ kitchen with south-easterly facing balcony. Underground parking. Views over Prince of Wales Dock to Kilvey Hill. Easy access to M4 and city. EPC - D
Fifth floor apartment with lift access. 2 double bedrooms. Balconies off both lounge and master bed each with panoramic Marina views. Electric heating. Underground parking. EPC-D
£235,000
£235,000 Cork House
Marine Walk Pristine, top floor apartment with lift access. Balcony with southerly aspect and full Marina views. En-suite shower room. New ‘Fischer’ heating. Brand new kitchen. Parking. EPC - C
4-bed, 3-storey seafront townhouse. South facing terrace & balcony. 3 large double bedrooms. Ground floor kitchen/laundry, cloakroom & bedroom ideal as separate living area. Main kitchen, lounge, 3 bedrooms & bathroom on upper floors. Gas heating. Garage and Parking space. EPC C.
£225,000
£399,950
ABERNETHY SQ, MARINA, SWANSEA, SA1 1UH ©LW
01792 463780
sales@marinaquayproperties.com • rentals@marinaquayproperties.com • www.marinaquayproperties.com
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Swansea 01792 641481 swansea@pablack.co.uk 49 Mansel Street, Swansea www.pablack.co.uk
Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd
The Beeches Close, Sketty * Four double bedrooms * Nestled in private grounds * Driveway for several vehicles * Superb gardens
Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea EPC = D
£525,000
The Orchard, Leason Gower EPC = E
£475,000
EPC = C
£395,000
Ffynone Drive, Swansea * Spacious detached family home * Superb views from the front aspect * 5 bedrooms & 3 reception rooms * Garage * Front, side and rear gardens * Viewing essential to appreciate size
EPC = D
£299,999
©LW
* Detached spacious bungalow * Three double bedrooms * Seaviews * Approx. third of an acre * No chain
* Spacious detached 6 bedroom family home * Conveniently positioned for SkettySq and Singleton Hospital * Superb sea views from upper levels * Surrounded with mature trees providing privacy * Garage an driveway * Walking distance to a range of amenities
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Gorseinon 01792 894422 gorseinon@pablack.co.uk 14 West Street, Gorseinon, Swansea www.pablack.co.uk
Culfor Road, Loughor
Dylans View, Uplands, Swansea 5 bedrooms
• Unique characteristic farm house • Five bedrooms two bathrooms • Impressive 12 acres of land, six stables, two industrial units • Outdoor heated swimming pool with paved surrounding and brick build bbq
EPC = E
£625,000
Gower Road, Upper Killay
£450,000 Freehold
Colonel Road, Betws, Ammanford 5 bedrooms EPC = F
£595,000
• A fine Edwardian bay fronted Gentleman’s residence • Set in about one acre of landscaped gardens • Five bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Four reception rooms, kitchen, lobby, vestibule • Self contained annexe • Double garage with first floor workshop
EPC = D
£529,950 Freehold
©LW
• Oustanding detached family home • Located at the entrance of the The Gower Peninsula • Award winning beaches nearby • Four double bedrooms • Swimming pool and spacious out building • High quality finish throughout
• Spacious 5 bed detached family home EPC = C • Set within a small gated development • Excellent views over the Uplands area and partial sea views • Convenient for the popular village of Uplands with its bars and restaurants • Outstanding kitchen/family room overlooking the rear garden
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HOUSE & HOME
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THE KEYHOLE
PICTURE PERFECT ‘Shortlands’ Newton Nottage Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5EB • Price £945,000
Shortlands is a four bedroom detached period property and set in approximately 1.8 acres. (Vendor advises). The property has been completely refurbished to a very high standard by the present Owners and viewing is highly recommended to appreciate this immaculately presented family home. Accomodation comprises Entrance Hall, Reception Hall, Kitchen leading to Conservatory, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Snug, Study, Living Room and Sitting Room. To the first floor are four double Bedrooms, the Master having a walk in wardrobe and large en-suite shower. There is ample off road parking with turning area. Driveway leads from the road to a stone parking and turning area.
Woodland are at the rear complete with Tree house. The rear lawn is suitable for a tennis court and has previously been used as this. There are various patio areas, seating areas throughout the garden PORTHCAWL has well regarded Primary Schools and Comprehensive School together with St. Clare’s Convent School in Newton. The Internationally renowned Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is also within close proximity. Road connections are excellent with the A48 providing easy access to the M4 at Junction 37. Cardiff Wales International Airport is approximately 15 miles to the east, offering domestic, charter and international flights.
Vendor advises land measures approximately 1.8 acres. Stone stables with plans for conversion into a 2 bedroom annex (subject to necessary Planning Permission etc.) Wall garden with stone water feature.
www.deereandson.co.uk Tel 01656 782141
126 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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LOWMEAD FARM, TAVERNSPITE, WHITLAND, CARMARTHENSHIRE SA34 0NJ £750,000 Dare to dream! Lowmead Farm offers a unique commercial package together with a principle homestead. Comprising a 4 bedroom family home, separate 1 bed self contained annex, beautiful detached barn conversion providing 3 bedroom holiday let, Stunning rural views, Extensive General Purpose Building Housing American Style Stabling for 11, indoor exercise school & outdoor sand school, 35.5 acres of land, purpose built garage block & games room (Ideal Further Development STP) . Convenient & Accessible Location. Close to Many Popular Attractions
LLANEGWAD, NANTGAREDIG, CARMARTHEN, CARMARTHENSHIRE SA32 7NJ £395,000 518 CTF Ad Aw
21/2/13
11:57
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A Beautifully Presented Contemporary Property & stylish home designed to exacting standards, remarkable Versatility for the Discerning Buyer located in a well regarded semi-rural village with Morriston stunning views over the Towy Valley, 4 bedrooms, Bonymaen, Caernarvon Way Morriston, Thomas Terrace Bonymaen, Jersey Road £40.000 en-suite & breakfast £52,500 £54,950 master balcony, bespoke NEW! kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, benefits from oil central heating. Gardens to front & rear, garage & stunning valley views A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
Morriston, Park Avenue £80,950
Treboeth, Roger Street £82.000
Sales, Lettings & Surveys Plasmarl, Neath Road £56,500
Morriston, Bath Road £60.000
Clydach, Velindre Road £69.950
NEW!
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
Morriston, Odo Street £84.000
Morriston, Pleasant Street £84,500
Clydach, Twynybedw Road £85,000
Clydach, Newton Road £88,950
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
NEW PRICE!
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
Ynystawe, Clydach Road £94,500
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
Clydach, Kelvin Road £99,950
Morriston, Pentremaldwen Rd £99,950
Craig-Cefn-Parc, Ffordd Ellen £99,950
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
NEW!
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
www.ctf-uk.com
Ynystawe, Clydach Road £105.000
14 Branches across South Wales
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
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Clydach, Penywern £110,950
Clydach, Oakwood Rise £118.500
Clydach, Western Road £119.000
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
A modern semi detached home with three good sized bedrooms. En suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, cloakroom, fitted kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge, gardens with driveway parking. EPC Rating: D(67).
Morriston 01792 795 727
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Indoor Showroom at Idole, Cwmffrwd
GELLI GAEROS, IDOLE, CARMARTHEN, SA32 8DJ TEL: 01267 236797 www.ACAGGREGATES.bIz Also at ROwLANDS VIEw, NARbERTH SA67 8RG | 01834 869343
©LW
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A & C AggregAtes new showroom now open in Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen a&C aggregates Ltd, a locally owned Company, was established in 2003 to supply a wide range of decorative aggregates, paving slabs and products designed to enhance the appearance of the outside areas of your home.
I
t is a family run business and takes its name from Amy and Charlotte, being the daughters of business owners Ian and Julie Harries.
It began its journey at a quarry in Blaengilcoed, Narberth and was initially introduced to specifically cater for customers requiring smaller deliveries and collections In 2009 the business expanded and it relocated to the yard at Rowlands View in Narberth. Further growth resulted in another depot being established at the quarry in Bolton Hill near Tiers Cross, Haverfordwest in 2014 and towards the end of last year, continued success resulted in another depot being established near the ferry port terminal in Pembroke Dock.
The company supplies a variety of decorative gravels as well as products from a range of local quarries such as boulders of various sizes. It is also able to supply sand, paving slabs (such as the popular Indian sandstone), topsoil, bark, rockery stone, building stone sourced from local quarries as well as the ever popular Pennant stone. Blocks, cement, and a wide range of products are available to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of your outside areas.
New stock & range of artificial grass ideal for patios
The new depot at Gelligaeros Trading Estate in Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen has a comprehensive indoor display of everything needed to make your garden look fantastic.
Loose loads, bulk jumbo bags and the smaller handy-sized bags are all available for collection or delivered in the company’s own tippers and hiab lorries.
The company supplies individual and trade customers and welcomes visitors to view their stock and discuss their requirements with its knowledgable and helpful staff. Recently in Narberth we acquired a transit van that caters for small local deliveries.
ŠLW
ŠLW
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HOUSE & HOME
FILLING THE JUNE GAP With JOSEPH ATKIN, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire. Early summer, and more especially the month of June, is often considered to be the best time of the year in the garden. Yet there is also the very well known ‘June gap’ which is basically the period when spring finishes and summer starts and there is a shortage of plants which are in bloom. However with the addition of these plants to your display you can make the ‘June gap’ a thing of the past.
Salvia ‘Mainacht’
Geranium ‘Patricia’
This Salvia is a relatively new type. The x sylvestris and similar types are very hardy and cope with our wet conditions. We have tried about four different types at Aberglasney and they have all done well in sunny spots. The reason they are so popular is that they flower for literally months; ours flowered pretty much all summer last year. The blue flowers are held in tight upright spikes and the effect is similar to Lavandula. They are a great plant for combining with lots of others and look very neat through the season. We mainly favour pastel or hot colour schemes. It’s also worth knowing that they’re easy to propagate from cuttings. • • • • • •
As a group there are many different geranium grown in our garden but Patricia is one of the very best we can find. It has strong pink flowers and is very vigorous with a sprawling habit. We use it at the front of borders where it can sprawl onto the paths. It flowers for about 8 weeks and then we cut it back immediately to get a second flush. It is also a plant that responds well to a ‘Chelsea chop’ (cutting half back in May so that it flowers later in the year) which gives a second flush of colour later in the year. Patricia is quite vigorous so it needs a large spot but it is also great for ground cover.
Height = 1m Spread = 60cm Position/Aspect = Any sunny Soil = Any except water logged Pest and diseases = No real problems Style = Contemporary, prairie, cottage garden, herbaceous
• • • • • •
Height = 1m Spread = 1.5m Position/Aspect = Any sunny Soil = Any moderately fertile Pest and diseases = None Style = Herbaceous, contemporary, pots, mixed borders, raised beds
Lilium ‘Mapira’ Early flowering Lilies are a great addition to the border especially as they add height and colour in June when many plants are still on their way to their peak. Mapira is a dark flowered type that has upward facing flowers. It mixes well with strong pinks and oranges whilst creating focal points in the border. We use it fairly near the front of the border and find it does not need staking which is an added bonus. So far it has remained perennial in the garden so has not needed propagation but this can be done by dividing the offsets. • • • • • •
Height = 1-1.5m Spread = 30cm Position/Aspect = Any sunny Soil = fertile moist free draining Pest and diseases = lily beetle if you have it Style = Cottage garden, herbaceous, contemporary colour schemes
130 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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HOUSE & HOME
VICTORIA WADE’S GARDEN Victoria Wade is a garden designer from Killay who picked up Gold at the RHS 2015 show in Cardiff.
www.victoriawade.co.uk
@WadeLandscapes
Coastal gardening... Anyone lucky enough to live in a coastal property will know all about the difficulties of gardening by the sea. The harsh salt ladened winds and sea spray present a challenge, but with careful planning you can still have a gorgeous garden! We have worked on a number of very exposed gardens in Gower, Penarth and Cornwall over the past few years, and here are our top tips for designing a coastal garden...
Create somewhere to shelter... On even the sunniest of summer days the biting sea winds can brutal! You will obviously want to make the most of your views (which often are in the most exposed part of a garden), but having a sunny and sheltered area to sit in too can be a welcome break! Consider designing a sunken seating area with cosy fire pit, or plant a hedge to shelter a section of your patio.
Choose robust materials... In my opinion natural stone is the best choice for a coastal site for both walling and paved areas - it will weather elegantly and you have plenty of choice of either a rustic or super contemporary finish. I would advise against using wooden decking as it will quickly age and get very slippery in the salty winds. Instead a composite decking material is a much more practical solution- try Millboard or TimberTech- They are considerably more expensive than softwood but will last much longer and require minimal maintenance.
Select the right species... You may not be able to grow the same plants that your friends in town gardens can, but you will still be able to grow lots of different
and interesting species. The RHS website has excellent advice for choosing suitable coastal plants- but I find nothing beats local knowledge of an area. Chat to your neighbours and have a nose in local gardens with similar aspects to your own to see what plants thrive, and what plants don’t love it as much to avoid costly mistakes. Try planting swathes of hardy grasses to add movement -they look wonderful blowing in the wind.
Storm proof your garden... Coastal gardens will take much more of a battering from winter storms than more sheltered town gardens, so this should be considered when planning your garden. Solid fences may not be the best idea as they can blow down easily- consider a ‘hit and miss’ fence instead which lets the wind through, or use hedges instead to form your boundaries- Griselinia is an excellent choice for a coastal hedge. Built in BBQs and seating are worth considering too. Not only do they look elegant but they will be much more robust in severe winter weather than anything freestanding- much better than having patio furniture strewn all over your garden! The robustness of your kids play equipment should also be considered. Back in January during some of the wild winter weather we were driving down the road in Langland when a trampoline blew out of a garden and chased us down the road! A sunken trampoline would be much more wind proof, and look much less imposing too.
“I would advise against using wooden decking as it will quickly age and get very slippery in the salty winds.” www.swansealife.co.uk | 133
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PORT TALBOT Middleton, part of the LBS Group
4/22/2016 2:46:49 PM
pyle garden village shop • eat • enjoy
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Steve’s top gardening tip
Remove spent flowers from tubs, baskets, beds and borders and feed them regularly with liquid feed, dead heading diverts the plants energy from producing new flowers. Bedding is perfect for this time of year, just beware of late frost. Keep vulnerable plants protected at night if a late frost is predicted. Don’t forget to hoe your weeds on warm days to allow them to wither and die in the sun.
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Loulou Boutique
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pyle garden village shop • eat • enjoy
5/20/2016 3:25:16 PM
HOUSE & HOME
GARDEN SPLENDOUR Millicent motif pot, 29cm, £24.99, Homebase, Parc Pemberton
SHINE A LIGHT Roots LED Solar Garden Lamp with Auto Function and Teak Table, £329, Cuckooland.com
HOUSE & HOME
GARDEN PARTY CHIC Entertaining outdoors is just one of the added pleasures that come with lazy summer days and evenings. Regardless of your garden space, with a few quick and simple touches, you can make the most of your garden by adding to what is already there. When it comes to entertaining it is those homely touches that really make your outdoor space great. Think a great comfy chair, fire pits, gas or charcoal barbecues, blooming plants and mood lighting to create that alfresco dining feel.
TROPICAL STYLE Flamingo Garden Decoration, £5, Tiger Stores, Swansea
VINTAGE STYLE Vintage Spoon Garden Markers, Etsy.com
peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
GARDEN FUN
GARDEN FUN
Cooking on gas! Kamado Kooker, £330, Achica
Garden Skittles Set, £42, Laura Ashley, Swansea
RETRO VIBE Retro vibe Salcombe bench, £157, B&Q, Parc Morfa
TRADITIONAL STYLE Coral deckchair, £34.99, Homebase, Parc Tawe
KEEP IT CLEAN Cream Ceramic Birdbath, £30, Laura Ashley, Swansea
STATELY Trafalgar Round Planter fibreglass with faux lead finish, £249.50, Thestatelygardener.com
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INTRODUCING
Additions 2016
New ranges • New colours • New features • New accessories Order the new additions 2016 brochure or book your free design consultation at sigma3.co.uk to begin your kitchen love affair.
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SWANSEA SHOWROOM | 01792 790088 | 2 Mannesmann Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH
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INTRODUCING
The Silk Story
Five new Silk colours • New cabinet colours • New pantry systems • New accessories Order the new additions 2016 brochure or book your free design consultation at sigma3.co.uk to begin your kitchen love affair.
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SWANSEA SHOWROOM | 01792 790088 | 2 Mannesmann Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH
Swansea-190516.indd 2 Untitled-1 1
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INTRODUCING
The Silk Story
Five new Silk colours • New cabinet colours • New pantry systems • New accessories Order the new additions 2016 brochure or book your free design consultation at sigma3.co.uk to begin your kitchen love affair.
Order a free brochure sigma3.co.uk
SWANSEA SHOWROOM | 01792 790088 | 2 Mannesmann Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH
Swansea-190516.indd 3 Untitled-1 1
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INTRODUCING
The Silk Story
Five new Silk colours • New cabinet colours • New pantry systems • New accessories Order the new additions 2016 brochure or book your free design consultation at sigma3.co.uk to begin your kitchen love affair.
Order a free brochure sigma3.co.uk
SWANSEA SHOWROOM | 01792 790088 | 2 Mannesmann Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH
Swansea-190516.indd 4 Untitled-1 1
19/05/20163:54:43 13:09:36 5/19/2016 PM
INTRODUCING
The Silk Story
Five new Silk colours • New cabinet colours • New pantry systems • New accessories Order the new additions 2016 brochure or book your free design consultation at sigma3.co.uk to begin your kitchen love affair.
Order a free brochure sigma3.co.uk
SWANSEA SHOWROOM | 01792 790088 | 2 Mannesmann Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH
Swansea-190516.indd 5 Untitled-1 1
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HOUSE & HOME
I WANT THAT peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
From lighting to bathrooms, our shopping list has you covered!
THE VINYL COUNTDOWN There was a time when the record player was the centre of any room. That sixties vibe was part of a vibrant youth culture where your vinyl played the soundtrack to any party. Available in both Red and Cream, together with Blue and Cream, the GPO Bermuda is a retrostyled full size LP turntable, with MP3 and USB player. The turntable comes with optional legs, for a free standing record player, the Bermuda has a fully automatic return tone arm, plays 33, 45 and 78 speed records. It has built in full range stereo speakers and allows you to record directly from LP to USB or plug in your MP3 to use the speakers. www.gporetro.com/products/category/ record-players/gpo-bermuda/
www.swansealife.co.uk | 149
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HOUSE & HOME
HOUSE & HOME
I WANT THAT
QUIRKY DESIGN Mr Fox doormat, £49.95, John Lewis, Cardiff
COFFEE & CAKE Flower market cake plates, 4pk, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
GARDEN STYLE Skagerak Selandia Round Table - Teak, £799, Houseology.com
USEFUL Useful Flinton Side Table, £375, Laura Ashley, Swansea
NOSTALGIC Nostalgic Cooke & Lewis Duchess Slipper To Floor Paintable Freestanding Bath. From a selection at B&Q, Parc Morfa
TRADITIONAL RETRO COOL Retro cool Jam jar glasses (set of 4) £16, Next, Parc fforestfach
Traditional Minerva Wall Light, £35, BhS, Swansea
EXCLUSIVE Three brass drawers, £19.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre
INDUSTRIAL CHIC Industrial chic Large trestle table, £998; dining chair, £249, Dfs, Llansamlet
150 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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Shutters
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Awnings
5/20/2016 4:29:20 PM
Shutters
Awnings
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Tel: 01792 359622 www.solarsunshades.co.uk Untitled-3 1
Conservatories
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5/20/2016 4:30:25 PM
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Conservatories
5/20/2016 4:30:34 PM
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Shutters
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HOUSE & HOME
FIND MORE NEW VINTAGE BUYS ON THE HIGH STREET... Love this trend? There’s no need to always go to the designer shops when it comes to great interior design. Supermarkets and high street shops have it all too, as PETER SLEE finds out... Warehouse look
Cute Colour pop! Alpaca Ornament, £7, George at Home, Swansea
Madison dinner pendant, £150, BHS, Swansea
Giraffe and elephant wall hooks £9.50, M&S, Swansea
Hands of time Newgate Ice Cream advertising wall clock, £70, Redcandy.com
Prints Charming Choose nature-inspired designs. From a range at Sainsbury’s at Home, Swansea
Wonder wall Team a busy wallpaper with unfussy furniture. From a selection at Laura Ashley, Swansea
Cult Living Antique Bulb Holder With Ceiling Rose, £14.95, www.cult furniture.com
Flower power Large Velvet Plum Gel Candle, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Bloomin’ lovely Wine And Pink Hydrangea In Bulb Vase, £30, BHS, Swansea
3 Seater Sofa, from £999, Harveys, Llansamlet
156 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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To enhance our customer experience... ...we’ve opened a Superstore!
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Brickwork, Blockwork & Stonework, Conservatories and Garages etc All aspects of Landscaping & Fencing, Tarmac & Asphalt laying. Beautiful driveways, patios & pathways. Choice of colours and finish to choose from. We create a solid surface that will enhance your property and last for years to come. All work carried out by qualified experienced tradesmen.
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HOUSE & HOME
HENES Broon T870 Ride On Car, £1,499, from www.harrods.com Forget your average tricycle, what your little one needs is a four-wheel drive which comes with a leather buckle seat, shock absorbers and perhaps most impressively, a dashboard equipped with a 7-inch tablet. They’ll enjoy filling up the trunk and looking under the hood, while there’s an indicator and brake LED lights too.
The World’s Most Expensive Apple Watch, £150,000, from www.firebox.com
OF THE
An Apple watch is indulgent enough, but how about one that’s made using 18k gold and encrusted with diamonds? There’s even a sapphire crystal retina display thrown in. Function wise it will do everything your usual Apple smart watch does, it just does it with more than a touch of glamour. The big stumbling block? Its £150,000 price tag.
5
BEST
(extravagant gadgets)
NEFF C17KS61N0 Built-in Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, £1,799, Currys, Swansea
Ever dream about what you’d do if you had millions in the bank? PETER SLEE unearths some luxury gadgets should go on that imaginary shopping list... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
Samsung Family Hub Smart Fridge, £4,499, John Lewis, Cardiff Who can be bothered to go home and check what’s in the fridge before hitting the supermarket? If you’ve invested in this chiller, not you! The rather large fridge - which will be coming to John Lewis stores over the next few months, features cameras inside the door. So, when you’re out and about you can quickly take a scan of what you’ve already got and whether you need an extra pint of milk. In addition, it’s got a giant touch screen on the front which can remind you when food will be going off. You can also use the tablet like a pin board to put important dates in your diary and check and follow recipes on it, and even do an online food shop on it. Now that’s one cool fridge.
You’ve got the Hollywood Hills style kitchen and when your personal chef serves up your breakfast, you want to make sure your coffee is just so. This built-in coffee maker will produce the perfect cup - whether you prefer an espresso, macchiato or cappuccino. The sleek design and capabilities will make it a talking point when people pop round to see how the other half live too.
Sony B ravia KD85XD8505BU Smart 4k Ultra HD HDR 85” LED TV, £10,199, Currys, Swansea Forget squinting at a tiny screen above the mantelpiece, what you need is an 85-inch whopper that comes with crystal clear display, bright colours and has Google Android capabilities. Granted, it will set you back more than a few pounds, but when money’s no issue, this won’t be a problem! www.swansealife.co.uk | 159
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RELAX,REFRESH,REVITALISE Sit back and let us create your dream bathroom
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Tile Rack& Bathrooms Inc Untitled-2 1
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5/20/2016 9:07:29 AM
TRIUMPHANT Her tassels adorn luxury hotels, high-end fashion accessories and more. But it is West Cross in Swansea that the talented Margam Jones runs her international business from. Swansea Life has been to meet her...
N
ot many people can claim to have made a career in tassels. But Margam Jones has created a hugely successful and respected business creating beautiful tassels for everything from curtains to shoes, bags and jewellery.
It all began in 2002 when Margam left her job as a secondary school teacher to pursue her love of interior design. She offered her services to an upmarket antique shop, and was given various projects to work on, including the restoration of a large standard lamp. The restoration process included making small tassels to be placed around the base of the lamp. Margam bought a book on tassel making, and very quickly became hooked – especially
when she saw that the finished lamp looked wonderful and had doubled in price as a result of her tassels. “I decided I would make more ornate tassels and it grew from there – I started experimenting with different techniques and materials,”says Margam who lives in West Cross. It soon became clear that numerous skills were needed to pursue a career in tassel making. She spent three years being trained by a wood turning expert so that she could to turn any shape required for the tops of the tassels. Skills in cord and rope making became essential and she also had to develop a sound knowledge of operating a business. Despite these challenges, she persevered and by 2004 she had a thriving business. She now employs 15 people, all of whom work from home on different aspects of the tassels. Over the years Margam and her team have learnt to use a huge range of different materials. Looking through her beautiful collection of samples, you’ll spot leather, glass, wood, shimmering cord, tassels with antiqued spherical tops, tassels covered in Swarovski crystal, tassels woven with beads and much more. “We’ve always been very careful to source the best materials we can. When we employ craftspeople to make various parts for the tassels, they have to be masters of the craft.” A trademark of Margam Jones Tassels is hand-blown glass, used
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TASSELS to create tassel tops that could be clear, embellished or silverlined for a lustrous finish. “We work with a high-skilled team that includes an accomplished glass maker,” says Margam. “He is always willing to try new finishes and he inspires us with his beautiful and imaginative creations.” The Margam Jones team also includes experts who carve a variety of woods and varnish them with burnished lacquers. “Having all these skills in-house enables us to create bespoke finishes to match a sample of fabric,” she says. Margam Jones and her team work amid spools of coloured thread in more than 2,000 shades, boxes of crystal and glass beads. These couturiers of the well-dressed window patiently create the interior designer’s antidote to minimalist restraint: tassels and tiebacks of bejewelled flair and brilliance. “Harrods was the very first shop we supplied with tassels,” says Margam. “That inspired us to create oversized, bejewelled tassels using luxurious materials.” Now the tassels add flair to a host of private residences and prestigious property developments across the UK, the USA and the Middle East. The company has also supplied leading interior designers for hotels and residences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Baku, Atlanta, New
York, Los Angeles and in many places in Europe and of course in the UK. In London you can buy her tassels from the So Near So Far interior design showroom in Belgravia and in Wales, her tassels are stocked by GW of St Clears. What sets her tassels apart is not only their quality but also the fact that they can be custom made to perfectly suit her customer’s requirements. “Our tassels are unique and there is no limit to the combinations of colours or materials we can use,” says Margam. The results are beautiful, and Margam’s daughters Her daughters Sian and Sarah also enjoy a big input into all aspects of the business, making it a family concern. “They are involved in everything from the books to sourcing new ideas – they have a keen interest in all aspects of the business and I love having them on board.”. After making tassels her job and passion for over 14 years, Margam’s enthusiasm is showing no signs of waning: her studio is full of new designs and creations she is currently developing. “I enjoy the fact that every day is different,” she adds. “You don’t know what people are going to ask you to make. I also love being with the team and chatting, because there is such a lot of input and ideas from them. It’s great that we’re always working something new - every day is an adventure.” Photographs by Nigel Williams Memento Fine Art Editions
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A FAMILY RUN GROUP OF BUSINESSES SINCE 1936
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1 voucher per transaction.T&C applies
1 voucher per transaction.T&C applies
1 voucher per transaction.T&C applies
www.briscorentals.co.uk t: 01792 894911 e: mandy@briscorentals.co.uk Opening hours Monday-Friday: 8.00am-5pm Saturday: 8am-12 noon
www.brisco.co.uk t: 01792 892357 e: sian@brisco.co.uk Opening hours Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5pm Wednesday:8.30am-7pm•Saturday:9am-1pm
Brisco Truck Rental Ltd, Gorseinon Road, Swansea, SA4 9GG
Brisco Williams Gas Ltd, Gorseinon Road, Swansea, SA4 9GG
www.briscowaste.co.uk t: 01792 584585 e: sianberry@briscogroup.co.uk Opening hours Monday-Friday: 8.00am-5pm Saturday: 8am-12 noon Brisco Waste Disposal Ltd, 89 Ystrad Road, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4BU
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HOUSE & HOME
Blowsy blooms Bold shades
Sweet dreams
Pretty up your home with blowsy blooms and bold shades...
Digital Printed Flower Cushion, £8, Matalan, Cwmdu
peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
Super cool seat Arlo two seater sofa, £499, John Lewis, cardiff
Bright pastels Ice cream cups (set of 4) £12, Next, Swansea
Floral burst Yellow Floral Plate, £7, BhS, Swansea
Floral display Timeless style
Floral Print Hurricane £5, George at Home, Swansea
Concerto- 4-seater sofa in green, £1,198, DfS, Llansamlet
Stunning display Cream faux Ranunculus flowers In embossed jar, £8, BhS, Swansea
165
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pe
w o re yS Sh nt da ce 7 n
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Solid roof createS a conServatory to ‘livin’ whatever the weather
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Conservatories are a great way of adding a light and airy room to any home. However, depending on where the conservatory is positioned and the amount of shade outside, it can let in too much light. Too much sunlight can mean the conservatory gets very warm in summer and, even on a bright winter day, make it difficult to watch TV, browse an iPad or work on a computer. At Securahome we are now able to offer an alternative to polycarbonate or glass – a solid roof. Called a Livin Roof, this system can be fitted to an existing conservatory, so there is no need to change the existing walls and glazing. Thanks to Kingspan insulation, the Livin Roof is 15 times more thermally efficient than a polycarbonate or old glass roof without solar control, meaning the conservatory will be warmer in winter. For those who don’t enjoy the, all-too-common, pitter-patter of raindrops, the Livin Roof also improves sound insulation compared to polycarbonate and glass. The inside of the roof is a plaster-boarded to keep an airy and modern ‘vaulted ceiling’ feel, meaning it can be finished with down-lighters or pendant lights. With the option to add glazed panels to the Livin Roof, it’s even possible to keep a view of the heavens!
FREEPHONE 0500 21 22 24 Visit our new website: www.securahome.co.uk SHOWCENTRE AT: Securahome PVCu Ltd, Garngoch Ind Est, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN
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HOUSE & HOME
Karcher K2 Compact Home Pressure Washer, £79, Homebase, Swansea Whether it’s the paving slabs on your drive or on the patio in your front garden, it’s easy to ignore the dirt that builds up. However, if your neighbours’ gardens are spick and span, you may be letting the side down. Forget spending hours with a scrubbing brush, just use a pressure washer.
Tabcat Pack, £69.99, from www.mytabcat.com You love your cat, but you’re pretty certain your neighbours aren’t so keen on you shouting into your garden late at night, calling for Whiskers to come home. Well, with this device you can train your cat to return at a click of a button - whether he’s just hiding in your garden, your neighbours’ (naughty!) or on a nearby street. The cat-locating device, sees a light-weight splash-proof tab attach to your cat’s collar then, when you activate the corresponding handset, the tab will beep and the device you’re holding will guide you to your puss via lights.
Sound Asleep Original Speaker Pillow, £12.99, from www.sleepypeople.com You find it hard to drift off without music. The only problem is, once you fall asleep, you’re known to stay in the land of nod through the subsequent tunes banging out on the stereo. Your neighbours on the other hand can hear them clearly. So, rather than listening to something with a big speaker, invest in this affordable pillow. It connects to your MP3 player/phone via A 3.5mm stereo jack plug and will play your music through the hollow fibre pillow filling. What’s more, if your more immediate neighbour - your partner who’s lying next to you - wants to go to sleep before you’re ready, you’re in luck! The pillow is so effective that while you’ll be able to hear music clearly, they won’t hear a peep!
OF THE
A red glow will mean you’re in the range of your cat and as you get closer will shine amber and then green. When your cat returns, give it a treat so it learns to associate the beep with food and come running when you activate it.
5
Karcher are market leaders and their simple, but effective K2 model will leave your outside space gleaming! Attach the hose, use the patio cleaner and the dirt blaster and through the power of water (and detergent for stubborn stains) you can wave goodbye to built-up grime.
Xqisit BH100 stereo Bluetooth headphones, £19.99, from www.carphonewarehouse.com
You’re a bit of a night owl and love nothing more than watching your favourite TV programme until the early hours. Your neighbours however aren’t so keen on having to listen to your show when they’re trying to get to sleep. That’s where these well-priced headphones come in, that is if your TV comes with Bluetooth capabilities (or you’ve invested in a Bluetooth audio transmitter). Connect them up to your TV and while you lie on the sofa watching Game Of Thrones, the audio will transmit through the headset so your neighbours can catch some zzzz’s. If you’re unable to use Bluetooth, it also comes with a 3.5mm audio cable. Obviously this is also a great solution if you’re into gaming/listening to music at anti-social hours.
BEST
(gadgets to be a good neighbour) Inspired by the Zac Efron and Seth Rogen flick, Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising, to build a better relationship with your neighbours? Start by investing in these gadgets... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk
Gtech HT20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer and Branch Cutter, £149.95, from www.gtech.co.uk - Available June Your hedge is getting out of control and your neighbours are dropping lots of hints about no longer getting sunshine in their garden. With this new-to-the-market gadget you’ll speed through your hedge trimming duties quickly and effortlessly. Charge up the lithium-ion battery and you’ll have 45 minutes of powerful cutting ahead of you. It comes with an 18v motor, but, most importantly, weighs just 2.2kg so your arms won’t be aching by the end. On top of that, the blades cut through stems up to 15mm thick and the additional cutter will make light work of sawing through branches.
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Launching the new Laura Discover the new ashLey spring 2016 bathroom coLLection.
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Strength & Elegance our aluminium windows and doors are built to last. Affordable style, made to measure... AB Glass provide a range of high quality, custom made aluminium products. All our products are manufactured to order at our purpose-build premises and delivered direct to our clients throughout the UK. Our 25+ years of experience and commitment to quality ensures you receive the best products with great customer service, at a competitive price.
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A Company built on its reputation & personal service
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Est. 1982 ©LW
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Dreamtime Unit 11, Beaufort Court, Beaufort Rd, Plasmarl, Swansea, SA6 8JG
Tel: 01792 771012 Untitled-1 1
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HOUSE & HOME
Move over man cave! For decades, sheds have a been a place that men build at the bottom of the garden so they have a place to be alone. The wooden buildings are seen as a “male necessity” - somewhere where they can do some woodwork, pot some plants or even just read the newspaper in peace. But now the female sex and demanding a place at the bottom of the garden to call their own - a she shed. For an increasing number of women the solution to finding peace and quiet without having to go far is the She Shed, a small a safe-haven tucked at the end of the garden.
Still not convinced? Here are some tips to help you on your way...
Five tips about sheds... The humble garden shed was traditionally used for storage - and a refuge for dad - but it can also be an extension of your home’s living space
in lots of different colours these days, so there’s something for everyone. Stripes, for example, create a beach-hut effect, while creamy yellows and pastel greens and blues are perfect for a pretty pop of colour that’s not too jarring. Unless they’re pre-treated, wooden sheds should first be treated with wood preserver. Aesthetics aside, applying garden-wood paint or stain should also help prolong the life of the shed, as will maintaining it from time to time. 3. Your shed will need a firm base, typically a concrete slab. Wooden sheds should come with a floor, whereas metal sheds usually have the concrete base as the floor. It’s certainly possible to lay the base and build the shed yourself if you’re an experienced and competent DIYer. An easier option is to get a landscape gardener or builder to do it, although this can be expensive, especially with a large shed. You may be able to pay extra for the manufacturer to erect the shed when it’s delivered, but the base will already need to be in place. 4. If you’re short of living space indoors, a garden shed can be converted into something more than just storage. As long as it’s easily accessible from the house and (preferably) has electricity and insulation, it can be an ideal place to do quiet or noisy activities. Sheds can make good workrooms/ studios, music or games rooms, home offices, gyms or dens.
“Metal sheds are often easier and quicker to build and, unlike wood, need little maintenance.” 5. Fitting out your shed with everything needed to make it useable and comfortable won’t necessarily be cheap, but it should be cheaper than moving house. You can convert an existing shed, or buy one tailored to your needs, complete with all mod cons. Specialist companies produce offthe-shelf and bespoke designs, including contemporary garden buildings, with everything included for a fully functioning
1. Garden sheds are usually wooden or metal. Metal ones are often easier and quicker to build and, unlike wood, need little maintenance. They’re more resistant to fire, rodents and insects than wooden ones, although can be less able to withstand storms and high winds, are noisy when it’s raining and are hot inside during summer and cold in winter. 2. Wooden sheds generally look more attractive and, because they’re made from a natural material, blend into the garden better. If you’re not keen on a natural look, it’s easy to jazz them up. Garden wood paints, such as the Cuprinol Garden Shades range (currently on offer at B&Q, Parc Morfa two 2.5ltr tins for £30), come 174 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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e n i p n u r y l i m a F t s i l a i c e p s & oak
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5/20/2016 9:11:36 AM
Free Range Holidays
u m S m s i er T LET YOUR KIDS
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SUMMER FESTIVAL EXPLODES INTO ACTION! The summer holidays are looming and the time has come to enjoy some family fun. There’s nothing better than getting away and letting your little ones roam free. So we’ve made a place to play that’s natural with all the luxury comforts for Mum and Dad. You can race coracles, go on a bug hunt and meet the characters of the Woody Wilds in their new shows too! The ‘all weather’ Summer Festival is sure to delight everyone this year with a carnival of spectacular fun set in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth.
To book call 01834 887 641 or visit www.bluestonewales.com #bluestonewales
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facebook.com/bluestonewales
@bluestonewales
5/20/2016 9:12:18 AM
Great escapes
GREECED LIGHTNIN’ (page 178) 24 HOURS AT... (page 179) SERENELY SORRENTO (page 180)
251 Oxford Street, Swansea, SA1 3BL Tel: 0844 800 3855
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GREAT ESCAPES
GREECED LIGHTNIN’ Can you cruise the Greek islands in a long weekend break? KEELEY BOLGER gives it a go...
here’s no mistaking the destination of my cruise. From the blue and white flags, lunchtime language masterclasses, daily dances, mounds of feta cheese at the buffet, bottles of ouzo behind the bar and even the odd ancient poem on the wall, it’s clear from the moment we get on board that we’re heading to Greece. Our whistle-stop three-day voyage will take us to the eternally popular Greek islands Mykonos, Santorini and Patmos, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey. For a first-time cruise passenger and a newcomer to Greece, this is an ideal way to gain my sea legs. Packing in as much as possible during the day, while travelling at night, also means we don’t compromise on sightseeing. After a frantic first day in steamy Athens, spent trekking up to the Acropolis in the mid-afternoon heat and examining artefacts at the blissfully air-conditioned museum, basking in the shade on deck is just what the doctor ordered. We slump down with our plates piled high with stuffed vine leaves and Greek salads from the buffet, and eat while watching the white churches and pretty homes of Mykonos come into focus. Bar-hoppers trail between taverns dotted along the coast, while those with Euros to burn head to the eclectic boutiques in the cobbled alleys, stocking up on one-off jewellery and designer handbags. Neither big partygoers nor enthusiastic shoppers, me and my
husband instead order reviving takeaway frappes and stroll around the chapels and lanes. But as cooling as the icy coffees are, we can’t resist braving the rocky entry to the sea and diving into the water for a quick pre-dinner dip. After a seafood feast, we toast the day and head off for one last walk, before trotting back to the ship as everyone else on the island gears up for a big night. There are no lie-ins for us the next day, but with a full weekend of exploring on the agenda, rising early isn’t a hardship. First up is a guided walking tour of the ancient metropolis of Ephesus, built in the 10th century BC. We linger underneath the Library of Celsus, built to honour the Roman governor, and admire the ruined temples. We’re distracted temporarily by a string of stray cats prowling the site of antiquity, before we climb the steps of the amphitheatre to soak up the view. With a couple of hours to spare, I take advantage of the ship’s spa and have my muscles’ kinks and knots kneaded out with a relaxing massage. And the relaxing vibe continues once we arrive in Patmos. Smaller and less bustling than the other islands we visit, the pretty town boasts the sacred grotto where St John the Evangelist lived and wrote the Book Of Revelation. We paddle in the bathtub-warm sea, cooling off at one of the friendly coffee shops before tucking into some fresh seafood and vowing we’ll definitely come back again. Our last day sees us docking in Heraklion, Crete, to spend the morning at Knossos, the impressive Bronze Age archaeological site and the capital of Minoan Crete.
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GREAT ESCAPES
Although busy here, the guides are slick, moving clusters of visitors around each artefact, ensuring very little overcrowding. For our final afternoon, we head back to the ship and sail towards Santorini, one of the Cyclades islands. Like us, many passengers come out on deck to marvel at the multicoloured cliffs as we approach. Once the site of a huge volcanic eruption, Santorini is now a tourist hot spot, attracting backpackers, honeymooners, young families and cruise passengers alike. As sunset beckons, we duck away from the competing selfie sticks and settle down on a bench with a cold can of Mythos beer, wowed by the colour of the sea and the sky, as the light disappears. We deliberate over whether we should stock up on souvenirs, pay our respects at the church or pore over goodies at the archaeological museum. But with the call of the ship in mind, we opt for a juicy kebab at a nearby shack and watch the world go by. As holidays go, this is a busy one, but in three days, we manage to dip our toes into more Greek islands than we could have done alone, and we leave with a real appetite for seeing more of the country.
TRAVEL FACTS Keeley Bolger was a guest of Cosmos Tours & Cruises (0800 440 2797; www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk), who offers the five night ‘Athens and Iconic Aegean Cruise’ aboard the Celestyal Olympia, including two nights hotel accommodation on a B&B basis, before sailing around the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey. Prices from £799 per person for a October 19 departure. Includes return flights from Heathrow, three nights full board cruise, an Athens City Tour and all overseas transfers.
24 HOURS AT... The Arch in Marble Arch Looking for a classy, small-ish boutique hotel, without the quirky idiosyncrasies of a boutique establishment. Just solid service, solid materials and amenities and a great location? PETER SLEE has been off in search of one... LOCATION: Tucked away off Oxford Street, the independently-owned hotel is in Great Cumberland Place just a 5 minute stroll from Marble Arch. So a short walk to the neighbourhood’s best shops and restaurants. STYLE & CHARACTER: Elegant, sophisticated and laid back. A luxurious Georgian townhouse hideaway in the heart of central London. I actually know the area quite well but never realised it was here. The interior throughout is quietly glamorous, boasting marble and glass, and a specially curated collection of art, including a moving art installation illuminating the reception desk. English heritage is fused with contemporary boutique design. SERVICE & FACILITIES: Unfussy and friendly, particularly in the bar and restaurant. A regular resident amongst the top 10 hotels in the capital on TripAdvisor, the officially rated five star property is renowned as one of London’s best kept secrets for those in the know. It focuses on maintaining itself as a luxury pillar of London’s fast-moving hotel scene. This isn’t to its detriment – the hotel epitomises elegance and is a bit like the proverbial “little black dress”: simple but always stylish and refined. ROOMS: Stylish and sophisticated. Guestrooms are all light, airy and spacious with Georgian ceilings. Individually decorated with the hotel’s signature hand-painted bespoke wallpaper, guestrooms feature unashamedly luxurious furnishings and are immaculately finished with the highest attention to every detail in every aspect. The beds are a majestic fixture in every room, as each one is adorned with duck down duvets and pillows. The bathrooms feature modern flourishes such as heated anti-steam mirrors and flat screen TVs built into the wall above baths. Bliss! FOOD & DRINK: Named after the 1950s dialling code for Marylebone,
its restaurant Hunter 486 has been designed with an air of nostalgic London glamour fused with contemporary touches. It features gleaming leather booths, blown glass chandeliers and statement artwork, plus an adjoining chic Salon de Champagne bar. The top notch food we tried was matched by some top notch service.
SERVICE: Hands-on and solicitous. It is welcoming and attentive but never overbearing.
VALUE FOR MONEY: You definitely get what you pay for at The Arch. A charming bolt hole which feels far from the surrounding London hubbub. Here one feels spoilt. Free Wi-Fi.. But you’re in a posh enclave in one of the very smartest parts of London, so don’t expect budget hotel prices. It just isn’t going to happen. Prices start from £350 for a Deluxe Room and from £420 for a Suite. The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD Call: 020 7724 4700 or www.thearchlondon.com
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GREAT ESCAPES
SERENELY SORRENTO The uniquely Italian beauty of the Sorrento peninsula makes it an unforgettable holiday destination at any time of the year, as Swansea Life’s CHARLOTTE ROGERS has been finding out...
San Francesco Cloister, an old monastery
Why go? My fiancé and I wanted to catch some sun and relax on a city break. And, for all the pizza and limoncello clichés, this handsome seaside town, on the rocky peninsula that forms the southern reach of the Bay of Naples, has la dolce vita spirit down pat and is great for a few days away. And because, if you’re lucky with the weather, even this early in the year there are days that feel like high summer. By early June, summer is well and truly under way. Dominating its own little bay-within-the-bay, Sorrento’s seaside vocation is given historical depth by its wealth of Renaissance palazzi and Romanesque churches. It’s a perfect hoppingoff point for the even more vertical charms of the Amalfi Coast on the southern side of the
Half way up the steps of Capri
Charlotte & Tay at the top of Capri
peninsula, and for the elegant resort island of Capri, which is just a 20-minute ferry ride away.
How long did it take to get there? It was a three and a half hour drive to London Luton from Swansea and the flight was another two hours and 40 minutes. You can fly from Bristol too but on this occasion we found better deals from Luton. Once we arrived at Naples, we caught a bus to Sorrento which took around an hour but it was a lovely – if twisty - drive along the cliffs and pretty villages along the coast.
Where did you stay in Sorrento? At the Hotel Eden Sorrento, which was just 10 minutes from the coach/train station and 10-15 minutes away from the square where there are
Sunset in Sorrento
The harbour in Capri
lots of restaurants and shops lining the lovely, narrow cobbled streets. It’s also close to the harbour where you can catch ferries and boats for nearby islands and excursions. It was a nice, clean and friendly hotel to use as a base, though you could find many more luxurious hotels in Sorrento if you wanted to splash out, such as the four star Grand Hotel Royal which was just down the street.
What does the hotel cater for? Anybody who wants to relax and explore Sorrento. There is a restaurant on site and a pool for the warmer days. Free WiFi was available at the reception area and it was so close to the town centre that it would cater for anyone who wants to be close
Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea
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GREAT ESCAPES
“The land of citrus fruits, limoncello and mermaids! We both absolutely loved Sorrento and the surrounding areas.” to the hustle and bustle. There is a great café next door that serves the best gelato in lots of different flavours and they even make their own limoncello on site too. You can take a free guided tour if you want to see how it’s made.
What did you think of Sorrento, how would you describe it? The land of citrus fruits, limoncello and mermaids! We both absolutely loved Sorrento and the surrounding areas. It’s a very lively and friendly area and the locals are friendly and welcoming. It’s a beautiful place, with lemon and orange trees lining the streets and the walls are all covered in fragrant flowers; it’s very picturesque. The locals are also very proud of their town and the surrounding villages and you can learn so much if you take a guided tour. We took a City Sightseeing bus to Positano and Amalfi (approx. €22 each) and learned of all the legends and stories including the mermaids and shipwrecks, and the pirates who used to attack the trading boats. Along the cliffs are multi-coloured houses and hotels that face out towards the ocean, it’s almost surreal how pretty it is and you can see working olive groves dotted throughout the cliffs which produce Italy’s famous extra virgin olive oil.
Spend the morning... Wandering around Sorrento’s Renaissance and Baroque centro storico, which makes up in southern charm what it lacks in stand-out sights. And although few of the package visitors that throng the town ever discover them, there are a few worthwhile cultural draws – such as the Museobottega della Tarisalignea dedicated to the history of
Sorrento’s marquetry work, or the lovely 14th-century cloister of the church of San Francesco.
And the food? Just as we expected, delicious! There are dozens of patisseries, gelaterias and coffee shops to sit and watch the world go by, as well as pizzerias where you can get fresh stonebaked pizzas and pasta dishes. And, of course, plenty of seafood restaurants too. There’s a string of bars, hotels and restaurants on the cliff-edge where we liked to sit and watch the sun go down with a glass of Prosecco or an Amaretto. The Foreigners Club and Hotel Meditteranea were both great spots to relax and wind down and take in the view of the sea and Mount Vesuvius.
Going there?
Then pack these!
Ambre Solaire Golden Touch Oil, £7.49, Superdrug, Swansea
Where was your sightseeing destination? We caught a ferry over to Capri for €30 each (it takes approx. 30 minutes) and we loved it there. Capri is a small island with lots of high-end shops such as Dior, Balenciaga and Prada, as well as lots of boutique shops selling unique jewellery and hand crafted Italian leather sandals. Capri is a tiny, hilly island and most of the action (bars, shops, restaurants) is situated right at the top. We decided to take the steps to the top, but it isn’t for the faint hearted! It took about 40 minutes and it’s very steep, but the views from the top are so amazing that it was worth it. You can take a tram, bus or taxi if you don’t fancy the climb. I’d recommend you take plenty of spending money and splash out and enjoy yourself in one of the trendy wine bars and restaurants. You only live once!
RJR. John Rocha beach shorts, £34, Debenhams, Swansea
Square Sunglasses, £12, Burton, Swansea
Spend the afternoon... Exploring the Amalfi Coast, the vertical paradise of perched villages and rugged nature on the southern side of the Sorrentine peninsula. Positano, the first of the Amalfi towns, is a Mediterranean marvel with its steeplytiered pastel houses and dolce vita bars and boutiques; Amalfi, beyond, has a more medieval feel, and its Arab-Norman cathedral bears eloquent witness to the town’s highwater mark between the ninth and 12th centuries, when it was a powerful maritime republic. Buses to Positano and other Amalfi coast destinations are run by SITA (www.sitabus.it).
Sony Walkman, £34.99, Currys, Swansea
Ted Baker - Falconwood 4 Wheel Suitcase, £199, Amara.com
Berkeley weekenders, £80, Dune, Swansea
Inside Amalfi Cathedral
Stunning views from Capri
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GREAT ESCAPES
FLIGHT OF FANCY If there’s one thing you need at time of year it is a midweight cover up or two. LAURA DAVIES looks at the cover ups you will be layering over everything from knits to sundresses, from now until September. Shopping lists at the ready, these are the jackets to slip into this season... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
KICK UP A FUSS
If your flight has been delayed, your connection missed, your holiday ruined, you are more than entitled to give the airline a piece of your mind - although don’t take it out on the air stewards, it’s not their fault, and don’t cross the line and become rude. A few choice words, and a coherent argument for how these delays and cancellations have mucked up your plans, might just get you a first-class seat on the next available flight.
PLAY NICE
Having said that, while there’s a time and a place for kicking up a fuss, being friendly and complimentary towards the stewards never hurts either. Think about it, if there are two upgrades potentially available on a flight, who would you choose? Probably somebody who was very nice to you...
USE EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL
On your honeymoon? Flying home to a funeral? Your dog’s died? Your wife’s just left you? If your life is genuinely in a shambles or you’re on a trip of a lifetime, there’s no harm in just mentioning it in passing. Who knows? A kindly air steward may take pity...
PICK YOUR MOMENT
Travelling at times when those who usually fill up business class seats wouldn’t be flying - Bank Holidays, for example - means you’ll be better placed to fill them yourself.
BE LOYAL
Airlines like regular customers, so instead of hopping from airline to airline, pick one, stick with it, and then when it comes to allocating upgrades, you’ll have an edge over fair-weather flyers.
SPLASH OUT
If you’ve gone bold on paying for extra baggage in the hold and for a window spot, if a seat in business becomes free, the person freest with their wallet apparently has a chance of being upgraded.
ARRIVE EARLY
If you’re first to arrive and check in, it means you’re first in line if an upgrade becomes possible...
@LawsDx
DRESS TO IMPRESS
If you’re suited and booted and look as though you’re meant to be in first class - as if there’s some mistake that your ticket says ‘economy’ - you’ll be a shoo-in if a seat in business class opens up.
VOLUNTEER YOURSELF
Does a couple want to sit together? Is a small child desperate to sit by the window? Has the flight been overbooked? Volunteer to switch seats or make room for someone else and stewards have been known to reward passengers for their kindness.
JUST ASK
If all else fails, you could just ask at the ticket desk if there’s any chance, pretty please, if you could be considered for an upgrade. Just remember to switch on the charm.
OR BE LATE
Alternatively, if you’re brave, being strategically late for your flight could also reap rewards (though don’t go too far, of course). If your economy seat has been filled and the flight overbooked, you might get bumped up, or bumped up and put on the next fastest connection.
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Out
& about
RICHIE HAMMOND (page 184) WALK OF THE MONTH (page 188) YOUR PICS! (page 190) MY SWANSEA (page 191)
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OUT & ABOUT
View from Blackpill
S N A P S H OTS O F
SWA N S E A B AY Tranquil beaches. Hidden corners. Unexpected views. Join photographer RICHARD HAMMOND as he explores some of Swansea and Gower’s coast and countryside. This month he visits Blackpill...
L
ast month we discovered Killay and Dunvant, starting from Blackpill and travelling up Clyne Valley. This month let’s start at Blackpill again but this time we’ll look at what’s in the Blackpill area and travel down as far as Singleton Hospital.
Blackpill is located beside Swansea Bay, about three miles south west of the city centre, and falls into the Mayals ward. I believe it’s an underrated area of Swansea as there is so much going on around there, starting off with the beautiful and historic Clyne Gardens. Clyne Gardens slope uphill to the west of Blackpill. From the city centre head west along Oystermouth Road (A4067), turn right at the Woodman pub and right into the car park. More on-road parking can be found at the top of the park at Westport Avenue, off Mayals Road. Alternatively, there is a bus stop opposite the Woodman pub. From Swansea’s Quadrant bus station take service 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 14, 14A, or 37. The gardens are the former landscaped grounds of Clyne Castle. The Castle (a Grade II listed building) was built by Carmarthenshire landowner Richard Phillips in 1791 but in later years passed to the famous Vivian family who
landscaped the gardens in the 1860s. The Castle and Vivian family were visited by many notable guests and are thought to include Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and King Edward VIII. A lime tree in the grounds was planted by Mary of Teck, Princess in the Kingdom of Württemberg and Princess of Wales. As wife of George V, Mary was Queen consort from 1910 of the UK, the British Dominions, and Empress consort of India. After George’s death in 1936, she became Queen mother when her eldest son Edward became King, but who later famously abdicated to marry Mrs Simpson. She supported her younger stuttering son Albert (George V1) through his reign but died following his death in 1953 at the age of 86. The castle was purchased by Swansea University in the 1950s and used as student accommodation. Today it has become a block of elegant luxury one or two bed apartments. The grounds or Clyne gardens are now owned by the City of Swansea, have beautiful views over the bay and are a Registered Historic Park. They contain around 2000 species of plants, and a large variety of wildlife. There’s an easyto-follow map at the entrance and fingerposts pointing the
184 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
Clyne Castle
way. Here are some of the special things you’ll find there. Firstly, the gazebo which was built as a look-out for the Admiral (Vivian family) to view the incoming ships as they entered Swansea Bay, or enjoy the serine winding Japanese Bridge by the pond. In spring the Bluebell Wood grows under the shade of the Turkey Oaks and the Azaleas and Rhododendrons are the prize of the park. The Joy Miniature Cottage and the Italian Bridge by the castle are a favourite for wedding photos, while the Bog Garden is home to the giant leaf rhubarb which can grow up to 8 feet tall and is
DID YOU KNOW... Below the gardens on the seafront at Blackpill is The Junction. This Grade II listed building was a power station for the Swansea and Mumbles Railway and following restoration in 2001 is now a smart café for coffees, sandwiches, meals... and buckets and spades! It’s a wonderful place to sit in the sun while your children play in the nearby lido. The lido has water fountains and fulltime lifeguards during the summer along with a children’s play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. The view over to Mumbles lighthouse from here is also superb. It’s a lovely spot for a stop from a walk or bike ride.
the largest leaved herbaceous plant grown in Europe. A tree with a face carved into it and seating placed in a semi-circle around is an usual sight which I’m sure children as well as adults will enjoy. There is a special tower and finally the church built by William Vivian and was opened for worship in 1908. Beneath it, in a private vault, lie Graham Vivian, his sister Dulcie and the Admiral. Vivian insisted that the Chapel should not use stained glass windows as he didn’t want visitors to be
Clyne Gardens
“You’ll discover many delights in the beautiful and historic Clyne Gardens.” www.swansealife.co.uk | 185
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OUT & ABOUT
Gower Archery Club
distracted from the beauty of the grounds. However inside there are a collection of Italian artefacts he collected during his visits. You will discover other delights in the gardens and look out for information on events like the guided tours by the expert gardeners or live bands which play there.
Carved tree in Clyne Gardens
The Swansea Bay Rider is a 72 seater land train, which runs along Swansea promenade, from Blackpill Lido to Southend Gardens, Mumbles, and gives passengers a great view of the Bay. The train stops at West Cross, Norton, Oystermouth and Southend Gardens. Prices: standard £3.00, or family £6.00 tickets are for a one-way journey only. It is fully accessible to wheelchair users and dogs are allowed if on a lead and under control. The Swansea Bay Rider is a spring to autumn ride and weather dependent. Next along this fantastic stretch is the only 10-hole Golf Course in Swansea, Ashleigh Road Pitch & Putt. I’ve enjoyed many rounds as a child and with my children at “Royal Ashley”. You can hire the clubs, balls and tees at a cheap price and rounds shouldn’t be taken too seriously unless you really want to. The course has no handicap requirements so it is ideal for beginners. It is also a handy course for more experienced players to brush up on their pitching and putting. Standard prices are £4.70, or a family ticket £14.00 which for a few hours’ entertainment, is great. Are you a budding Robin Hood? Well how about trying your luck at archery? On Saturday mornings the top left corner of Ashley Road is the place to be. I went along to meet some of the members of The Bowmen of Gower archery club. The club was formed in 1959 has more than fifty members and competes in inter-county and Welsh national competitions. The club welcomes new members and holds an introductory archery course for £40, including loan of the equipment. Current star archer is 17-year-old Alice Reynolds who has been selected for the Welsh youth squad. If you’re interested email: coachingorganiser.bowmenofgower@gmail.com, just bring along bags of enthusiasm and perhaps some weatherproof clothing! Another highlight of the area is the Swansea 10k which takes place every September. Up to 4,500 competitors can take part with an entry cost of £22. There’s also wheelchair and junior races and this year it’s been shortlisted for Best 10k in the Running Awards. You can vote for it at the following link:
Swansea Bay 10k
www.swanseabay10k.com 186 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
Japanese bridge, Clyne gardens Opposite the golf course are Ashley Road playing fields where all manner of sports are played. We have the usual football, rugby and cricket in the summer.
Singleton Hospital’s car boot sale
The athletics track and facilities are impressive and also the Wales National Pool. The pool was built in 2003 at a cost of £11 million. The main pool is 50 m long and 21 m wide, also a 25m x 9.5m training pool and 1,200 spectator seats. The pool opens from 6am for members until 8am when anyone can dip in, and closes at 10pm. It’s £4.55 for a dip or standard membership is £286.65 annually, but there are many other options available. At the rear of the pool is one of Singleton Hospital’s car parks and on a Saturday morning it holds a car boot sale. I love a rummage around a boot sale trying to remember what the TV antiques programs have said and have brought some weird and wonderful things home (to my wife’s annoyance) My bargains from Singleton boot sale include a tuba (£12, can’t play it) tools galore (gave most away) LPs, books, plants and two beautiful German wooden carved chairs (£6, stored in garage. However years ago my mother bought a costume jewellery broach for 50p. She found out it wasn’t costume but real, its centre was a ruby the size of a 20p and had 98 diamonds around it. She realised it was special when she noticed it had a safety chain. Costume jewellery doesn’t have safety chains! It was sold it to a London dealer for over £700 (beat that Bargain Hunt!)
TIME FOR WINE... There are two nice restaurants in Blackpill - the Woodman, as we’ve mentioned, and the Indian restaurant Mumbai (popular for Sunday lunches) I’ve eaten in both and have always enjoyed the food. So if you’re in the area why not give them a try. The Woodman also does a nice bottle of Prosecco for £9.99 if you can get a seat. So Blackpill has so much to offer and we haven’t even mentioned the beach (next month!). Now is a perfect time of year to visit with the flowering Clyne Gardens at its best. Don’t be shy and say hello if you see me at your stall in the boot sale!
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NEXT TIME... Next month we are going to carry on past the golf course towards Swansea. On our journey we will look at the beach, which is a designated sight of scientific interest . We’ll take in The Air Show and wander down to County Hall including St Helens, the Patti Pavilion and a few big surprises. I’ll see you then! Richie.
5/20/2016 11:01:18 AM
OUT & ABOUT
A N D R E W
M O R G A N ’ S
SWANSEA BAY WALK Join ANDREW MORGAN as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk. This month, he takes in the view from Southgate...
Start/Finish location ..............Pennard Cliffs Distance ......................................4 miles (2 hours) Level .............................................Moderate Parking .........................................National Trust car park
Southgate offers a number of pleasant walking routes. The most popular is over the cliffs to Three Cliffs and Pennard Castle. But this month I’m leading two Thursday evening walks to explore the eastern side of the area. The first is on June 9 from Pennard School then on June 22, I’ll start from the car park on the cliffs. Swansea Ramblers has a number of evening walks over the summer and these are a great way to relax after work and try out walking with a friendly group of fellow walkers. I’ve a few options for the second walk but it will probably head east, close to the cliffs and towards Deep Slade, taking in the lovely coastal views. Joining the road for a short distance, you can turn right at the top of the Slade to follow the coast path and go past a hillfort then over to Pwlldu Head. Here you have views along the coast back towards Mumbles. A descent now takes you near
188 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
Upcoming walks JUNE... SUNDAY 05
Nevern (9 miles) Moderate meet 10.30am Newport - Pont Clydach
SUNDAY 05
Cwm Garw (11 miles) Strenuous meet 9.00am Francis St.
WEDNESDAY 08
Llyn Brianne (10 miles) Strenuous meet 9.00am Cross Hands Co-op
THURSDAY 09
Southgate evening walk (4 miles) Moderate meet 7.00pm Pennard School
“Southgate offers a number of pleasant walking routes. The most popular is over the cliffs to Three Cliffs and Pennard Castle but this month I’m leading two Thursday evening walks to explore the eastern side of the area.”
SATURDAY11
Gnoll Estate (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Gnoll main car park
SUNDAY 12
Llanmadoc Hill (11 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Tankeylake
TUESDAY 14
Promenade (6.5 miles) Easy meet 10.00am Blackpill
WEDNESDAY 15
Pwlldu evening walk (4 miles) Easy/ Moderatemeet 7.00pm Pyle Corner
SATURDAY 18
Clyne (5 miles) Easy meet 11.00am Car Park top of Mill Lane
SUNDAY 19
Llandeilo Talybont (10.5 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Gowerton B4295 car park
MONDAY 20
Llanrhidian (3 miles) Moderate meet 10.00am Killay, Railway Inn CP
Graves End where a ring of stones marks where people were buried after drowning in the bay. The coast path then steeply ascends to a gate. Continue along the path, watching right for the viewpoint over Pwlldu Bay and Caswell. Follow the coast path signs onto the track above Pwll Du. Descend a little then before the first house, a footpath takes you into fields before entering the wooded side of Bishopston Valley. Descend to the stream and continue inland to a junction by the stream where you turn left and begin to climb Hael Lane. Ignore paths left and right and continue on to pass Hael Farm. The broad track leads to a road junction where you turn left and follow the house-lined track. Emerging on the cliffs near the car park, head right back to the start. Andrew Morgan
Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk
TUESDAY 21
Pen y Fan (9 miles) Strenuous meet 9.30am Go Outdoors CP
WEDNESDAY 22
Southgate evening walk (4 miles) Moderate meet 7.00pm Pennard Cliffs CP
SATURDAY 25
Landimore (3 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Landimore CP
SUNDAY 26
Waterfalls (10 miles) Moderate meet 10.00am Pontneddfechan B4242
TUESDAY 28
Cowbridge (8.5 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Go Outdoors CP
www.swansealife.co.uk | 189
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OUT & ABOUT
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE! Each month Swansea Life celebrates the very best in reader photographs, capturing all that’s great about where we live and work...
Sailbridge sunset, by Eiona Roberts www.flickr.com/photos/lilo_lil
Swansea Marina, By Matthew White
Bluebells at Glynneath Golf Club, by Rob Vaughan
Brynmill Park by Julie Jones, Sketty
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5/20/2016 11:03:37 AM
OUT & ABOUT
M Y
S W A N S E A
E LO U IS E
M OSS - MA C C ARI N E LLI
Where is your favourite view? I love the view from Castellamare restaurant on Mumbles Road as it overlooks Bracelet Bay and Mumbles lighthouse. It’s a lovely place to sit and relax with good food and watch the waves come in and the kids love to go there on family days.
Where is your favourite salon? It has to be my salon, Total Perfection Nail and Beauty in Brynhyfryd, Swansea. I tend to have all of my beauty treatments there with my professional staff. We have a large book of loyal customers and I’m usually so busy treating my clients that I’m the last to get booked in, but when I do I like to have the works! We offer Bio Sculpture nail treatments and a wide range of threading, waxing, tanning and massage services.
Where is your favourite shop in Swansea? My favourite shop in Swansea is River Island in the city centre, I always find something in there, and so do my teenage daughters! We like to go on girly days shopping and we can spend ages in there. There are also lots of quirky boutiques to choose from in the city centre. Where is your favourite café? There is so much to choose from in Swansea, it’s hard to choose just one! I really like the atmosphere in the new Costa Coffee on Oxford Street and as I’ve already mentioned, I like to spend precious days off in Castellamare, it’s a lovely place to relax and take in the sights of Swansea’s beautiful beaches. Where is your favourite restaurant? My favourite restaurant is Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw. It’s child-friendly so my husband, Enzo, and I can take the kids and enjoy the delicious Indian food. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is great and there’s plenty on the menu to choose from for the whole family.
“I like to spend precious days off in Castellamare, it’s a lovely place to relax and take in the sights.”
“We like to do a bit of shopping followed by some good food and a walk along the Mumbles pier.” Charlotte Rogers speaks to Elouise Moss-Maccarinelli, owner of Total Perfection Nail and Beauty in Brynhyfryd, about what she loves about Swansea. She is married to Swansea’s Enzo Maccarinelli...
Where is your favourite place to visit? The whole family loves to spend a day down the Mumbles during school holidays or days off. There is so much to do there with lots of local shops, independent restaurants and ice-cream parlours. We like to do a bit of shopping followed by some good food and a walk along the Mumbles pier. How do you like to relax in Swansea? My son, Romeo, has been diagnosed with autism, so we like to spend a lot of time at the beach as it’s a quiet and peaceful environment for him.
Where is your favourite place to relax? I’m very family-orientated so any days off are spent with the kids, that’s how I like to relax. I like to take the children down to one of the many beaches in Gower, like Caswell or Langland. We like to chill out with a picnic.
I also like to go running along the promenade during work and family time, I’m running the Swansea Half Marathon this summer for a charity called Active for Autism. I’m making sure I get as much training in as possible so I can get a good time and raise money for a cause I feel passionately about.
Mumbles
The view from Castellamare
Rasoi Indian Kitchen, Pontlliw
www.swansealife.co.uk | 191
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#DIDYOUKNOW
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TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
5/20/2016 12:00:26 PM
Motoring
A NEW MINI ADVENTURE (page 196)
TRAINER SWANSEA
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375 Carmarthen Road, Swansea 01792 651474
5/20/2016 12:12:06 PM
The Wheel Specialist ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENT & CUSTOMISATION
Diamond Cutting now available at The Wheel Specialist - Swansea The Wheel Specialist has redefined wheel refurbishment and customisation with 25 years’ experience in the industry pioneering the powder coat techniques delivering outstanding quality and finish, transforming your wheels you’ll be proud to have on your vehicle
We have now introduced Diamond Cutting to our extensive range of services with all the work completed at our facility in Swansea So if you’re looking to return your wheel to their original factory finished condition or customise your wheels with a completely new look, then The Wheel Specialist Swansea are here to help
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©LW
Ashmount Business Park (Unit 9B) Upper Fforest Way, Swansea Enterprise Zone, Swansea, SA6 8QR
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The Wheel Specialist ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENT & CUSTOMISATION “ DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, HERE’S WHAT MY CUSTOMERS THINK” - Mark Allcott, Owner, The Wheel Specialist Swansea I was really pleased with the whole experience. Mark Allcott was very helpful and his advice was spot on. The work was carried out very professionally and I was extremely pleased with the results. It’s a shame that more business’ aren’t the same. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending to others - Kind Regards, Barry H Just had my car done, with Mark and the guys at Swansea branch. Fantastic service, I’m delighted with the finished product and shall be using them again - Kind regards, Matt L Had my wheels refurbished recently at The Wheel Specialist in Swansea on my car. I must say the guys there did a fantastic job, very professional and very helpful. Would highly recommend them to anyone, so many thanks to Mark and the guys at Swansea - Regards, Vaughan would like to thank you and your team for the really good work that was carried out on my Audi, the wheels look as good as new and I will be recommending you to others.” - Paul Trueman “The wheels are brilliant, the boys did a terrific job matching them to my car, Please thank those concerned. I am very pleased with the results.” - Don Lewis
01792 700 110
Ashmount Business Park (Unit 9B) Upper Forest Way, Swansea Enterprise Zone, Swansea, SA6 ©LW
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5/20/2016 9:14:07 AM
A NEW MINI
ADVENTURE Trainer has been the Authorised Retailer for MINI in Swansea since the brand’s launch in 2001. A family owned local business with over 40 years experience as an Authorised BMW Retailer, the addition of the MINI brand has helped propel growth at Trainer, both in the number of staff, which now exceeds 100 employees and the range of products and services on offer...
T
he MINI brand has proved to be a global success story for parent company BMW. Last year saw BMW achieve its fifth consecutive year for record sales. Part of that performance was the 338,466 MINI’s sold worldwide, a huge increase of 12% compared to the previous year.
their vehicle ownership and for the customer they have a familiar face to deal with no matter why they have visited us.” Whilst new to his role, Tom is ably assisted by a team of very capable individuals. “We have many years of experience in the team” commented Tom,” between them two of my Sales Executives have nearly twenty years with company whilst our Warranty Manager has been with us for over 38 years! We also have one of the UK’s few BMW qualified Master Technicians in the workshop. The Master Technician is the highest possible qualification you can achieve and only a handful who train to achieve the status are actually successful such is the standard required. ”
At a local level, Trainer MINI has continued to maintain the difficult balance of exceeding sales targets and taking care of its long standing and very loyal customer base. The man now responsible for this on a day to day basis is Tom Trainer, grandson of Company founder Leslie Trainer and the newly appointed MINI Brand At a local level, Trainer Manager. He explained the MINI has continued to role of the Brand Manager and how it differs from the previous maintain the difficult balance more traditional management of exceeding sales targets structures in place in other and taking care of its long automotive retailers.
Adding a further string to the bow is the newly redeveloped showroom. “Our old showroom had space for about five cars at the very most, but with the redevelopment we can now fit up to ten cars and still have much “Traditionally a garage would more space to walk around standing and very loyal employ both a Sales and Service them. The experience for both customer base Manager to look after their Sales and Service customers is respective departments within also much improved in terms the business. However, in an of the facilities available. A effort to maintain the BMW new addition is the MNI Hub, Group objective of providing the the interactive centre of the very highest standard of service showroom where visitors can to customers a different approach was needed. The relax on lounge chairs and configure cars on a large TV Brand Manager was introduced into the MINI network screen whilst enjoying a coffee.” as someone who could maintain a relationship with the Commenting on the future Tom stated “the MINI range is customer regardless of whether they were servicing their particularly strong at the moment with a new Convertible current car or looking to purchase a new one.” and Clubman launched this year. The 3-Door Hatch is Tom went on to comment “we are a family business and one of the few left in the BMW and MINI network in the UK. We have always enjoyed a very close relationship with our customers a lot of whom have been loyal to us for many years. As the Brand Manager I get to keep my relationship with the customer throughout the lifetime of
MotoringDPS.indd 1
still as popular as ever, the current model offers a level of sophistication and refinement almost unimaginable in the previous version. Combined with our redeveloped and much expanded showroom I am very excited with both my new role and to be part of the MINI phenomenon here at Trainer.”
5/20/2016 2:00:58 PM
From left: Amy Jones (MINI Sales Executive), Graham Dawson (MINI Sales Executive) Charlotte Evans (Receptionist), Tom Trainer (MINI Brand Manager), Gethin Jones (MINI Sales Executive) Tom Davies (Approved Used MINI Manager)
TO DISCUSS THE MINI RANGE AVAILABLE AT TRAINER, OR TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE PLEASE CALL 01792 651505 TRAINER • 375 CARMARTHEN ROAD, SWANSEA SA5 8LW • 01792 651505 www.trainermini.co.uk mail@trainermini.co.uk
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5/20/2016 2:01:08 PM
ST STAY O
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Feel t ww With the electricatroo the weather, thanks Traint 375 C Feel the rush of MIN Swan at www.trainermini.c Tel: 0 Trainer 375 Carmarthen Road Swansea SA5 8LW Tel: 01792 651505
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Official Fuel Econom 33820_112457 (5.1-3.5 l/100km). Co and conditions. *Test
33820_112457_TRAINER_CONVERTIBLE
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5/20/2016 9:29:52 AM
STAY OPEN. STAY OPEN. STAY OPEN. GO WITH AY OPEN.
YOUR GUT.
With the electric roof down, nothing will get in the way of your 360o view – not even parking or the weather, thanks to the parking camera coming as standard and the optional rain warner app.
With the electric roof down, nothing will get in the way of your 360o view – not even parking or * Feel the rush of MINI’sthanks legendary go-kart feeling in the open air – book a test the weather, to the parking camera coming as standard anddrive the optional rain warner app. at www.trainermini.co.uk o With the electric roofindown, nothing will360 get in the of your 360o view – not even parking or lectric roof down, will get the way of System, your view – way not even parking or looks Fullynothing loaded with MINI Navigation MINI Connected and distinctive as standard. Feel the rush of MINI’s legendary go-kart feeling in the open air – book a test drive* the weather, thanks to the parking camera as standard and the rain warner app. er, thanks to the parking as standard and coming the optional rain warner app. With spacecamera for fivecoming and a range of advanced TwinPower Turbo petrol andoptional diesel engines, Trainer at www.trainermini.co.uk With theRoad electric roofMINI down,Clubman nothing will get in athe way of your 360o view – not even parking or the stunning new creates powerful feeling that 375 Carmarthen * makes perfect sense. * Feelweather, the rush of MINI’s legendary go-kart thedrive open air – book a test drive ush of MINI’s legendary go-kart feeling in the open air –feeling book a in test Swansea the SA5 8LW thanks to the parking camera coming as standard and the optional rain warner app. Trainer at www.trainermini.co.uk ainermini.co.uk Book a test drive* at www.trainermini.co.uk/contact-us/test-drive Tel: 01792 651505 Feel the rush of MINI’s legendary go-kart feeling in the open air – book a test drive* 375 Carmarthen Road at www.trainermini.co.uk Trainer Swansea SA5 8LW Carmarthen Road rthen Road 375 Road Tel: Carmarthen 01792 651505 Trainer 375 Carmarthen Swansea SA5 Road 8LW SA5 8LW SA5 8LW Swansea SA5651505 8LW Tel: 651505 01792 651505
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THE NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE. ARRIVES 5MINI MARCH. THE NEW CONVERTIBLE. NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE. THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN. THE NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE. Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Convertible range: Urban 35.8-64.2 mpg (7.9-4.4 l/100km). Extra Urban 55.4-80.7 mpg AVAILABLE NOW AT TRAINER. ARRIVES 55 MARCH. ARRIVES MARCH. VES(5.1-3.5 5 MARCH. l/100km). Combined 46.3-4.3 mpg (6.1-3.8 l/100km). CO Emissions 100-142 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive is subject to status and availability.
2
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GO WITH YOUR GUT. GO WITH WITH YOUR YOURGUT. GUT. GO WITH YOUR GUT.
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what’s on
CALENDAR OF EVENTS (page 202) WHAT’S COMING UP (page 204) BIG INTERVIEW (page 206)
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WHAT’S ON
Whats on this June ’
...
Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section? Please contact Mark Rees... mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk 01792 545529 @reviewwales
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
2
3
ANIMAL ANTICS: AFRICA
CANTARE AT THE MUSICAL
FREE LEARNING SPACE DROP IN
PLANTASIA, 10.30 AM, NOON, 2PM AND 3.15 PM
MAESTEG TOWN HALL, MAESTEG, 7.30PM
DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, 10AM – 4PM
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
ULTIMATE BOWIE
SWANSEA TRIATHLON
MINING JOSEF HERMAN
THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM
SWANSEA CITY CENTRE, FROM 4PM
SWANSEA MUSEUM, UNTIL JULY 10
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM
1
SATURDAY
4
5
6
FRIDAY
7
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
CREEPY CARMARTHEN TOUR
A PARTY TO MURDER
TIN SHED 5TH BIRTHDAY BASH
ANTONY PENROSE: PICASSO, MAN RAY AND MAX ERNST
STARTS AT CARMARTHEN’S GUILDHALL
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL JUNE 11
CLIFTON ST, LAUGHARNE, FROM 7PM
DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, 1PM
9 10 11
8 SUNDAY
MONDAY
FAMILY FOOTSTEPS WALK
ADAM HILLS (14+)
SWANSEA BAY, 10.30AM
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 8PM
12 13
TUESDAY
14 BILLY ELLIOTT
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, UNTIL JUNE 16
202 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
BILLY WALDON BAND
BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES
SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
THE SCENE, PLYMOUTH STREET, 7.30PM
BRANGWYN HALL, 7.30PM
VARIOUS VENUES IN SWANSEA’S MARITIME QUARTER
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
GWALIA SINGERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
ARTS IN THE PARK
JUNIOR PROMS CONCERT
BRANGWYN HALL, 7PM
CRAIG-Y-NOS CASTLE, FREE ENTRY, 11AM – 4PM
FFWRNES, 7PM
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
FREE CASTLE TOURS
THE DREAMBOYS
TERRY HETHERINGTON YOUNG WRITERS AWARD
MARGAM COUNTRY PARK, PORT TALBOT, 12.30PM
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM
DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, ENTRY IS FREE, 7PM
15 16 17 BBC National Orchestra of Wales
18 19 20 Swansea International Jazz Festival
TUESDAY
21
22 23 24
GLYNDEBOURNE: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 6.30PM
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
ABERAVON BEACH FESTIVAL
SWANSEA HALF MARATHON
SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME
ABERAVON SEAFRONT, FAMILY FUN DAY FROM 10AM
STARS IN SWANSEA CITY CENTRE
NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF, 7.30PM
25 26 TUESDAY
27 WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
OKLAHOMA!
COMEDY CLUB (16+)
BLITHE SPIRIT
GWYN HALL, NEATH 7PM
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE (ARTS WING), 8PM
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM
28
29 30 www.swansealife.co.uk | 203
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WHAT’S ON
3 GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH... GWALIA SINGERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
The Gwalia Singers, a Welsh Male Voice Choir from Swansea formed in 1966, will be celebrating their Golden Anniversary with guest performers Shân Cothi and Trystan Llyr Griffiths and compéred by Roy Noble OBE. Shân, a Welsh personality, is a versatile performer in both classical and music theatre and is an experienced actress, television and radio presenter in Wales, while up-and-coming Welsh tenor Trystan Llyr Griffiths was named the ‘Voice of Wales’ in 2012 by Decca Records
Brangwyn Hall, Saturday, June 18 • 7pm.
DINOSAUR ZOO Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo offers Jurassic fun for all the family from three years old. Now introducing the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the stage, these awesome prehistoric creatures come to life as you’ve never seen them before, from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants. But watch out. Not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem!
Swansea Grand Theatre, Wednesday, June 1 • 2pm and 4.30pm and Thursday, June 2, 11am and 2pm
NATIONAL FISH WEEK Fish and chip lovers across Swansea Bay will be joining the rest of the UK to celebrate National Fish & Chip Day on Friday, June 3. In Neath, Shillingfords chip shop will be marking the occasion by putting on promotional meals at reduced prices, free chips with every large fish bought (to take away) introducing some brand new homemade meals and children’s competitions on social media.
Friday, June 3 204 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
THIS JUNE, WHY NOT... ...ENTER A MARATHON? Starting and finishing in the city centre, the JCP Swansea Half Marathon 2016 route will take runners along Swansea Bay to Mumbles and back, six miles of stunning coastline, beautiful views and fantastic crowd support. The race features a fast and flat 13.1 mile course, equally suitable for first-time half marathon runners, club runners, charity runners and elite athletes. It is also earning itself a reputation as a road race with one of the most scenic coastal routes, as it takes runners along a magnificent six-mile stretch of Swansea Bay.
For more details, visit: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk The JCP Swansea Half Marathon 2016, Sunday, June 26
listen...
NHS Choir Something Inside So Strong On sale now from HMV, Swansea Following the overwhelming reaction to their Christmas No.1, which was backed by second-place man Justin Bieber, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir signed a record deal with Decca Records (a part of Universal Music - the same label as Bieber), and have just released their debut album, a collection of uplifting classics from those at the heart of the NHS.
read...
watch...
Perfect, Nicola Davies
Deadpool
On sale now from Waterstones, Swansea
On sale June 13 from Tesco, Swansea
Written by award-winning children’s author Nicola Davies and beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher, Perfect opens up the subject of disability for young readers. It tells the story of a boy struggling to accept his new-born sister when she turns out to be not what he expected. But when he helps a fledgling swift to fly he realises that all she needs is love and a little help; that she is, in fact, perfect.
Marvel Comic’s anti-hero Deadpool, the merc-with-a-mouth Wade Wilson who is disfigured by a rogue experiment which leaves him with advanced healing powers, breaks the fourth wall and plays up the laughs – and violence – in this over-the-top superhero revenge tale.
www.swansealife.co.uk | 205
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WHAT’S ON
THE BIG interview
B I L L B A I L EY ’ S SWANSEA FAMILY REUNION
Comedian Bill Bailey brings his new stand-up show to town this month. He talks to MARK REES about recording in Swansea and eating too many Welsh cakes...
B
ritish Comedy Award winner Bill Bailey has enjoyed success on the live stage and the small screen for many years, but did you know that he has several connections with this part of the world?
There’s his family, his frequent visits, and he even recorded one of his best-selling DVDs right here in the city. This month, the QI regular will return with his latest standup offering, Limboland, and he’s predicting something of a family get-together. “I’m expecting a strong contingent to be at the Grand gig, a family reunion,” he says ahead of his visit to our flagship theatre. “My mother’s family are from Wales, and I have fond memories of visiting south Wales as a child. “My grandfather was in a Welsh male voice choir, and during the war my mother was sent out to stay in Wales. The enduring legacy is that my aunt taught her to make Welsh cakes, and I loved them as a child. But I ate too many once, and they’re quite sickly after a lot and I felt a bit queasy. “When I was doing a gig in Swansea, one of my relations turned up with a couple of bags of them – and I had to face them all over again!” he laughs. In 2001, Bill captivated New York audiences with an eight week run at the Westbeth Theatre of his Bewilderness show – a show which was filmed for global release in Swansea’s Grand Theatre. “It’s a lovely theatre, and I’ve got a bit of an endearing affection for the place now,” he tells me. “I spent a bit of time in Swansea on that tour so now I know it well.” But considering the funnyman could have recorded anywhere in the country – or even the world – why did he choose Swansea? “Partly because of circumstance,” he explains. “It’s a combination of the two things. During a tour, it takes time to get the bits of kit together to record it, and it takes some time to get into a groove, which happens after travelling for a while. “When it starts clicking, that’s when it becomes a good
show, and that’s the time to record. “It just so happened that I would be in Swansea about that time. But I’d recorded in Ireland and across the UK and I thought it was time to have one in Wales.” In his new show, the former Never Mind The Buzzcocks team captain sets out to explore the gap between how we imagine our lives to be and how they really are. With his trademark intelligence and sharp wit, he tells tales of finding himself in this halfway place. He rails against a world that doesn’t match up to our expectations and contemplates the true nature of happiness. And no Bill Bailey show would be complete without music, so we have Bill’s version of the protest song, a heartrending country and western ballad played on a Bible, and a fabulously downbeat version of Happy Birthday. In fact music, long before comedy, seemed to be his true calling in life. “I did music to quite a high level at A-level, and I was always playing piano,” he says. “I seemed destined for a musical career. It was an important part of my school life, and it has been with me my whole life.” In fact, comedy came about something of a lucky accident.
as
“I ended up with comedy, as I do now, because I had an opportunity to perform and I loved it. “I have a love of words, of spoken word. It’s traditional, we love to tell stories. They’re alluring, they’re fascinating. “Now my shows are a bit of both. Comedy is a slow burner where you set up ideas, and I like to play music which changes the dynamic. “There a lot of music in this show, there’s more stories, and it’s got more of me in it. “This one is more personal than anything I’ve done before. You change as a person as you grow older. When you seek out material in your 20s, nobody knows what they’re doing, you’re just hoping to get a laugh. “But your life change as you grow up. You get a family and all the rest of it. These are strong experiences, and human experiences resonate with more people. “They get to the real essence of what someone is about. Where the comedy came from.”
206 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
“My mother’s family are from Wales, and I have fond memories of visiting south Wales as a child.”
Bill Bailey Limboland will be at Swansea’s Grand Theatre on Tuesday, June 21, 8pm
www.swansealife.co.uk | 207
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GROUP GROUP HOLIDAYS HOLIDAYS
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5/20/2016 3:28:12 PM
Social diary
OSPREYS DINNER (page 210) FASHION SHOW (page 216) MAGGIE’S BALL (page 247) WEDDING INTERVIEW (page 226)
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SOCIAL DIARY • OSPREYS DINNER
OSPREYS DINNER WHERE? Brangwyn Hall TELL ME MORE... A dinner to mark the club’s end of season
210 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • OSPREYS DINNER
212 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • FUNDRAISING BALL
ASDES (AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT) HOSTED THEIR 2ND FUNDRAISING BALL IN THE VILLAGE HOTEL IN SWANSEA. WHERE? Village Hotel in Swansea. TELL ME MORE... 130 guests enjoyed a lively night with the band, the Flames, as the entertainment for night as well as a raffle and auction. The evening was also an opportunity to raise awareness of autism and the fact that people with autism have many talents and skills that they can bring to a business.
www.swansealife.co.uk | 213
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SOCIAL DIARY • BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
MILESTONE BIRTHDAY PARTY WHERE? Morgans Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE... A 50th birthday party celebration for Helen Bowden, managing director at multimedia firm Voicebox.
214 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • CELEBRITY LUNCH
NSPCC CELEBRITY LUNCH WHERE? Aberavon Beach Hotel TELL ME MORE... The annual NSPCC Celebrity Lunch, with guest speaker Kevin Johns, MBE
www.swansealife.co.uk | 215
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SOCIAL DIARY • FUNDRAISER
A FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER FOR PENNARD AND BISHOPSTON FIRST RESPONDERS WHERE? Pennard Golf Club TELL ME MORE... The event to help raise funds for the volunteer service which works with the ambulance service to attend life threatening emergencies in the local community, was organised by Sue Hopkins and Betty Jenkins and highlighted clothes from Solo and Cream of Mumbles. It raised in excess of £360.
216 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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FUNDRAISER • SOCIAL DIARY
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SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY BALL
MAGGIE’S MAY BALL WHERE? Liberty Stadium TELL ME MORE... A fundraiser for the cancer care charity based within the grounds of Swansea’s Singleton Hospital
218 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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www.swansealife.co.uk | 219
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SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY BALL
220 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING CELEBRATION
THE MARRIAGE OF SAM AND CERYS COLLIER WHERE? Stouthall, Reynoldston TELL ME MORE... Cerys, 26, is a teacher at Dylan Thomas School in Swansea and Sam, 28, is the commercial manager at Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd
222 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY EVENT
AN EVENING WITH KEVIN KEEGAN OBE WHERE? Liberty Stadium, Swansea TELL ME MORE... The event was held in support of Macmillan
Pictures: Riley Sports Photography
www.swansealife.co.uk | 223
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SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY EVENING
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT CHARITY NIGHT WHERE? Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli TELL ME MORE... The event was held by Shufflebottom Ltd and Morgan & Morgan to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance.
224 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING CELEBRATION
Real life wedding Gemma Walters and Ashley Polverino Gemma, a social media advisor originally from Landore married electrician Ashley from Morriston at the King Arthur Hotel in Gower. They share memories their big day with Peter Slee..
How would you describe your wedding theme? It just had to be a ‘Vintage Chic VS Superhero’ theme. We wanted something elegant but also personal to us. Ashley loves anything Marvel and DC, so I came up with the idea of making it part of the wedding. Our table names were superhero characters and each table had a photo of our daughter Tilly dressed as the relevant superhero, it made a perfect personal touch. Our cake also had the superhero touch added to it. Whilst to the untrained eye it looked like a regular vintage decorated cake, it you looked closely you could see that there were small superhero touches subtly added. How did the proposal happen? Ashley went down on one knee and popped the question whilst we were on a holiday in Egypt. He used his late grandmother’s ring. I thought this was really lovely touch. It is still my engagement ring to this day and I love it. Why did you choose your venue? After visiting many venues, we found ourselves comparing each one with The King Arthur Hotel, and every time we did, The King Arthur won our vote so we knew it was the place we wanted to get married. It’s a beautiful light room with high wooden beams gives it such a magical look.
What was your favourite thing about planning your wedding? I am a very organised person so I decided to decorate the venue myself. I loved bargain hunting for vintage pieces to transform the reception including all the beautiful centrepieces and vintage lace doilies. I’ll never forget the day myself and bridesmaid Sam had to dress Tilly up as the superheroes for the photos for table names. It was a nightmare but hilariously fun at the same time, as we chased Tilly around the living room trying to get her to pose! I have to admit, I did love thinking of any excuse to pop down to The King Arthur for a glass of wine just to get excited for the big day. Tell us about your wedding dress I have always had an image of the dress I would wear on my big day. I had pictured a plain, slim line dress with a huge fishtail. It took just one shop and only the fourth wedding dress I had ever put on until I found ‘the on. It was nothing like I had originally imagined but I just knew it was the perfect dress for me. The dress was slim fitting and made from very delicate lace, with the feature being its very low open back detail. I also wore a cathedral length veil, which had a beautiful lace edging. Both the dress and veil were
very elegant and matched the vintage chic theme perfectly. How important was the photography for your wedding day? Choosing a photographer was a very important choice for us, as we knew that these would be photos that we would look at for the rest of our lives to remember our special day. We wanted someone who ticked all our boxes and made us feel comfortable. I love a selfie but Ashley not so much! Richard Savage made us both feel so relaxed that we just knew he was a definite for us. Tell us about your photographer I have never met a photographer who is so passionate about his work. From beginning to the end we knew we made the right decision by choosing Richard. Richard is a
“Ashley went down on one knee and popped the question whilst we were on a holiday in Egypt. He used his late grandmother’s ring.”
226 | www.swansealife.co.uk
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WEDDING CELEBRATION • SOCIAL DIARY
family man, which was perfect for us as we are a family. We know how hard it can be taking a photo of our daughter as Tilly hates having her photo taken but Rich was able to capture simple but stunning shots of Tilly. Richard captured every perfect moment for us and made everyone feel so relaxed, there was nothing cringe worthy but natural, fun and personal. When you look at Richard’s photos they tell a story, it’s beautiful and emotional and the results were better than we could have ever imagined. One of the things that made our experience with Richard even more special was Richards’s wife Gemma. Gemma played a big part on our wedding day (even stepping in and saving me from my dress disaster by sewing me into the dress!) as well as this she was always there for us throughout the planning process and made the presentation of the images so beautiful.
two days before the wedding and my dress not fitting me properly on the morning of the wedding! The photographer’s wife came to the rescue and literally sewed me into the dress! Word of advice to all future brides ….have your hair died at least a week before your wedding and always have an emergency sewing kit with you! Who did you choose as your bridesmaids&/or bestman and why? I chose my sister and Ashley’s sister plus four of my best friends. Choosing a best man was an easy task for Ashley, he asked his best mate of 23 years! He also had eight ushers. I remember nervously waiting to walk down the aisle with my Dad and loved watching each of my bridesmaids being escorted down the aisle, each with one of Ashley’s ushers before me.
What was your favourite part of your wedding? We loved everything, it was just amazing! But if we had to choose one part of the day then it would have to be the speeches. There was laughter, tears and a touch of embarrassment ha ha!!
What was your first dance & why? Our first dance song was Ed Sheeran Photograph. On our wedding day singer Amy Childs sang it acoustically. We took a long time trying to pick a song, eventually it was Ashley that came across this song and he loved the lyrics. You never really listen to lyrics but the words in Photograph represented love in real life terms.
In hindsight is there anything you would have done differently? There are just a few glitches that made the day more memorable: My hair turning green
How did you spend your honeymoon? We firstly decided on a little mini-moon location so that we could take our daughter Tilly away for a few days. We booked a
beautiful little cottage with a hot tub in a little fishing village called Cenarth in Mid Wales . It was exactly the break we needed after the build up and excitement of the wedding. It took us a while to decide on our honeymoon location, there were so many places we wanted to visit! I wanted to go to New York and St Lucia and Ashley wanted to go to Las Vegas and Jamaica, so each of us settled on one of our choices and we booked New York and Jamaica! We spent new years eve at the ball drop on Times Square, you will never experience a new year’s like it, a memory we will never forget! After spending a busy five days dragging Ashley around the shops and sight seeing New York we jetted off to Jamaica for seven days of blissful relaxation to end our honeymoon.
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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING CELEBRATION
Real life wedding “We eloped for our perfect wedding...!” Sophie and Arron Lacey left their home in Swansea’s Uplands for a 240-mile trek to Cornwall for their perfect day. They share some of their best memories with Rachel Nichols...
Did you have a long engagement? We were saving towards buying our first home together when we got engaged in April 2014. We did plan on getting married in May 2016, but after putting so much money on the house saving the equivalent of another house deposit sounded awful. We looked into ways of reducing the wedding costs, such as trying to do a lot of it ourselves or speaking to friends and family about making the cake, playing music at the wedding etc. Eloping significantly reduced our costs, but it also meant that we could get married a bit sooner which was exciting. We ended up getting married in September 2015!. How did you decide on the venue? We looked at going somewhere sunny and luxurious. But we felt it was quite risky to go somewhere we hadn’t been before, particularly to get married! Our favourite place in the world is Cornwall, so it made sense for us to get married there. We spoke about spending a few weeks touring the coast of Cornwall, eating amazing food and staying in some quirky accommodation in our favourite towns - 3 weeks of cream-teas and Cornish pasties sounded perfect. I came across the Green’s elopement package in Liskeard. You could stay in a little cottage and have everything catered for you for 2 days. It sounded very romantic and including
champagne, breakfast hamper, woodland hot tub etc. The venue offered options of where to get married on the premises, depending on the weather we could either get married in the Barn or under the Lake Arbour. How did you celebrate your hen night? Some friends arranged for us to stay with friend in London for the weekend. We went out for dinner and a few drinks afterwards. The next day we had a wander and had a posh lunch on a boat cruise up the Thames – bit risky after a boozy night but it was actually really nice. This was exactly what I needed – a low key weekend with my girls! Some colleagues also arranged a night out in Uplands too which was a good laugh with the girls from work. The big day details? We arrived at the Cottage and unpacked the night before. When we woke up in the morning we had cream teas and put our feet up. We weren’t getting married until 2pm, so we had the whole morning to ourselves to relax and slowly get ready. I still can’t believe how peaceful it was, we got ready together listening to some music and to kill time we were reading together on the sofa. Arron paced by the window a bit. We were begging the sun to stay out so we could get married outside under the Lake Arbour! When we were almost ready our
amazing photographer Will Mason-Jones, who drove all the way from Swansea, arrived. We showed him where we were getting married and he explored the property with Arron. The registrars arrived soon after that, interviewed us both together and they headed down to the Arbour to meet us there, thankfully it was still sunny. Arron and I
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“We looked at going somewhere sunny and luxurious. But we felt it was quite risky to go somewhere we hadn’t been before, particularly to get married.”
walked down together, we talked about how nervous we were. Arron was sure he was going to mess up the vows and I was trying not to cry! We were so pleased we got to have the ceremony outdoors, I refused to get married in the wellies I walked down in so stood on the grass bare feet throughout the ceremony! It was unbelievably romantic, very intimate as apart from us it was the 2 registrars, the venue manager and Will our photographer who were our witnesses. After the ceremony we had some pictures taken around the woodland area and the pond. We then headed up to pop open the champagne and took a few more pictures with the cakes my sister-in-law had made us. An hour or so later we were due to head to the hot tub in the Woodland to relax and have some prosecco, before our 3 course meal was cooked by our personal chef back at the Cottage. The nice weather stuck around for us so we ate outside and spent the evening relaxing with some blankets outside as the sun went down. The perfect gown As we were eloping I felt I couldn’t justify buying a big expensive wedding dress, particularly as money was a key motivation of ours. I had a look at white evening gowns and found a few online that I ordered and tried on. The one I went with was from ASOS, a nice fit but simple as I didn’t want anything
fussy particularly as I had no idea what I was doing with accessories yet! I did show them to Arron beforehand to help me choose which one, I really wanted to hear what he thought and help me pick his favourite, and we went with a Jarlo dress in the end which was a bargain. I love it and I felt amazing in it on the day! Your favourite moments. Getting ready with Arron was definitely a highlight. I even got to help him with his buttonhole and he helped me with my corsage. Walking down together was also an important moment for me, I felt like we were doing it together rather than meeting him there. It made sense for us to go together, we got to talk all the way down about how excited we were and control our nerves. My absolute highlight from the day was during the ceremony, I felt like it was just me and him in our own bubble. He was pulling faces during my vows trying to throw me off and laughed at me when I teared up when they announced us as husband and wife. I felt like we could be ourselves – just me and him.
meal. We sat outside the cottage having dinner as the sun was setting. It was brilliant, the chef gave us space to talk about the day and enjoy the moment, but was attentive. It was a nice touch to an already wonderful day. Any advice for brides before the big day? Consider your plans for after the wedding, and what else you’ve got to look forward as husband and wife. It’s not just about the big day, after the bar is closed and the last stragglers on the dance floor have gone home, it’s the two of you as husband and wife for the rest of your life. The wedding is a perfect way to kick things off with a big celebration, but it’s also a time to be excited about your future together! How did you spend your honeymoon? The day after we got married Arron and I spent two and a half weeks working our way around the coast of Cornwall; eating far too much seafood, drinking far too much cider and spending far too much money in tiny bookshops. We stayed in yurts, stylish hotels and pubs we were convinced were haunted, but we had a lot of fun and was a perfect way to unwind straight after we got married
Special touches? (anything different about your wedding?) We had a personal chef in the evening that came to the cottage to cook us a 3 course www.willmasonjonesphotography.com
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ABERYSTWYTH LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES FROM SOUTH WEST WALES DINNER WHERE? National waterfront Museum TELL ME MORE... Guest speakers at the event were judge Milwyn Jarman, QC, and Richard Ireland, senior lecturer at law school at Aberystwyth.
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SWANSEA CITY PLAYER OF THE SEASON AWARDS DINNER WHERE? Liberty Stadium TELL ME MORE... Among players honoured on the night were Gylfi Sigurdsson named supporters’ player of the year; young player Stephen Kingsley; best newcomer, Andre Ayew with Alan Curtis picking up a lifetime achievement award.
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TAKE TO THE SKIES & ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME GIFT VOUCHERS & CHARITY TANDEM JUMPS AVAILABLE Swansea Airport, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JU Tel: 01792 207035 / 07779019655 info@skydiveswansea.co.uk / www.skydiveswansea.co.uk Open Weekends, Bank Holidays and some Friday afternoons. Weight and health restrictions do apply. Please contact us for further details. ŠLW
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Tforme you
BABY BLOG (page 238) YOUR PET PICS! (page 240) FATHER’S DAY GIFTS (page 242) OUR FAVOURITE THINGS (page 245)
Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4HA (01554) 758171 • myddfaispa@stradeyparkhotel.com
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Ditching the labour pains...? Having a baby can be hard work. And giving birth is no joke. But the flip side is getting through labour pain isn’t impossible, as second time mum-to-be ALANA LEWIS has been finding out... OK, so here we go with an admission! I turned up for my first hypnobirthing class with a strong dose of scepticism. I had kind of expected to walk into a room ‘full of hippy, airy-fairies giving birth in yurts’. Like most mothers-to-be, I had been drip-fed horror stories from colleagues and friends of women screaming, swearing and assaulting their husbands, surrounded by beeping, blinking monitors. I was convinced that was ‘the only way’. Anything else was just a pipe dream, wasn’t it? Well, no actually! So, with our second child due in just a few weeks, Stewart and I decided to shun traditional antenatal classes and give the less conventional idea of hypnobirthing a go, a selfhypnosis technique that mums-to-be use in order to mentally programme themselves to relax during childbirth.
“I’ll admit, alternative therapies are not usually my thing, hence that sceptisim. But the thought of being calm, positive and even enjoying labour won me over.”
And if it’s a good enough technique for celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and even Kate Middleton to get through childbirth, it’s surely good enough for me too. I’ll admit, alternative therapies are not usually my thing, hence that sceptisim. But the thought of being calm, positive and even enjoying labour won me over. While I was pregnant with our son Santino we went to NHS antenatal classes, and although it was interesting to learn about the various stages of labour and what your body goes through, I found the focus on pain relief and all the interventions that could be needed very daunting. So, we went to meet with Yvette Winstone from Willow Tree Therapies in Swansea to see if she could turn childbirth into something to be excited about rather than fearful of. The car journey to The Centre in Pell Street didn’t set us of on a calm and positive note as Stew decided that was the time to tell me I shouldn’t be nervous about giving birth “because I’ve done it before”.Yes, but I’ve also attempted to conquer my fear of heights by jumping out of a plane, but it doesn’t mean I’m in a hurry to do it again! Not knowing what to expect – massage, chanting, crystals? – we pulled up and immediately clocked prayer flags hanging up outside. Of all the things I’d considered hypnobirthing to include, religion definitely wasn’t one of them. I started to get a bit nervous and wondered what I’d got us into.
There was no need of course. For this is all about being in control, something most women worry they’ll lose as they’re wheeled into the delivery room. Yvette explained that it is preconceived ideas of labour – the horror stories mothers eagerly share the moment they find out you’re expecting – that fill women with fear. But through positive thinking, banning words with negative connotations, like contractions – they’re thought of as “waves” or “surges” in the hypnobirthing world – it is possible for the birth of your child to be an enjoyable experience. The best way to deal with the pain and fear associated with childbirth is to prepare one’s body and mind for the process. A woman’s body is designed to give birth but the mind holds her back. With the help of various ‘alternative birthing methods’ expectant mums can realise their level of power and uncover their potential to deal with labour. It’s a matter of learning the right tools, understanding the process of childbirth, becoming aware and then practising together with your support. It sounded good to me! So, we settled in for our session, which started with some questions about Santino’s birth. Luckily, I’d had a straightforward delivery with a short labour, making Yvette’s
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TIME FOR YOU
job easier as there was no great trauma to erase from my memory. To prove the power of the mind, Yvette got us to sit back and we close our eyes as she tells us to imagine we are sitting in the sun under a lemon tree. After a minute or so, we were both salivating with the thought of drinking a cool lemonade – and a bit of scepticism is chipped away as we realise there might be something in this mind over matter business after all. There was a short biology lesson, where we were told about the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline and the “love hormone” oxytocin, which we want to encourage during labour as a natural source of pain relief. The two can’t exist together, so the key is to be totally relaxed and let your body go with the flow of contractions – sorry, surges – of labour, rather than tensing up and fighting against them. It made sense, why make your body work harder at something natural? To help, Yvette explained the importance of feeling comfortable and making your labour environment as familiar as possible. A home birth is ideal, but if you need to be in hospital, homely items like a pillow, photograph or something with a calming smell can lessen the clinical feel of the delivery room.
Then we closed our eyes again.Yvette softly talked us through the emotions of birth and bringing your child into the world calmly and positively, and I tried to switch my mind off to everything else and focus on her words. As I opened my eyes, I realised I’d actually managed to tune out all the random thoughts and worries that usually swirl around my mind. Success! Now I just need to perfect that to the extent that I can pretend I’m sunning myself under a lemon tree instead of pushing out what I’ve been warned is a rather large baby. I turned to look at Stew, and swiftly gave him a kick as I realised he’d drifted off and was about to start dribbling! I’m pretty impressed someone as sceptical as him managed to relax to that extent … But if he falls asleep in the delivery room I’ll be less than impressed!
Yvette Winstone is a Katharine Graves trained hypnobirther, and practices at The Centre, Pell Street, Swansea. She offers hypnobirthing courses covering 12 hours, and can be contacted on 07923974612 or at ywinstone@gmail.com www.swansealife.co.uk | 237
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My baby and me Alana Perrin is a mother-of-one, with baby number two due in June. She lives in Llanelli with her husband Stewart and very busy toddler Santino, whose boundless energy and love of exploring keeps them on their toes. A news editor and mummy blogger, Alana gives an honest insight into life as a first-time (and soon-to-be second time) mother at www.baby-holiday.co.uk When she’s not running around after the whirlwind that is Santino, she can be found writing – usually with coffee and cake within reach.
No peace for the with-kid... When you find out you’re expecting your first child you immediately want to wrap yourself up in cotton wool and protect yourself from the world. Sleeping on the bedroom floor of a toddler you’ve soothed back to sleep at 2am at nearly 34 weeks pregnant wouldn’t even cross your mind, and you’d probably give the death stare to anyone who even suggested something so ludicrous. And what about clambering onto a toddler bike with your knees up in your chest and your belly resting on the handlebars while a tiny dictator yells “go mammy, go!” Not a chance. Well it turns out pregnancy number two doesn’t come with the same luxuries as the first ... As I’ve found out over the last eight months.
With baby number one, the chances are you’ll have made changes before you even fall pregnant. Taking folic acid religiously for three months before trying to conceive, as advised, and generally looking after yourself. When you’re already juggling a full-time job and a toddler, it’s enough to remember if you’ve brushed your teeth before leaving the house. The daze of running around after a whirlwind, plus the inevitable baby brain, makes pill-popping more haphazard than a daily routine - as much as you know it’s for the best. When you get that much wished-for positive pregnancy test, you immediately turn mama bear over your as yet non-existent bump. Nobody is allowed within five yards of it, you’re wary of situations where it might get a bit squashed, and you even sleep on your left side as recommended (for some unknown reason) by the baby books. Try telling a two-year-old to stop climbing on mammy’s tummy because he’ll dent his baby brother or sister ... You’ll get nowhere fast! Bubba number two certainly won’t enjoying a peaceful cocoon with classical music played daily. Speaking of baby books, What to Expect When You’re Expecting will become your bible as you count down the weeks until you meet your lovely first born. You’ll read a chapter a night, keeping up to date with baby’s developments, what fruit they’re the size of and what you should be doing to prepare at that particular time. And why not? You have the luxury of time to absorb all the information you can. Two years on, and your copy is more likely to be propping up the bedside table than taking pride of place on top
LAURA DAVIES picks out gifts and gadgets for your baby...
of it. It’s ok, you’ll be so exhausted by bedtime you’d probably be snoring after page one anyway. And there’s always One Born Every Minute the oh-so-reliable source of every first-time mother’s birth expectations. You’ll cover your eyes through the gruesome bits (that’s not going to happen to you anyway) and sob as the parents cuddle their tiny little baby. The second time around you can watch safe in the knowledge that you’ve been through it before and will breeze through it again. Or, you know, you could always spend your evenings catching up on Pretty Little Liars before hormones and sleepless nights turn your brain to mush. As the countdown to d-day begins, your maternity notes and carefully constructed birth plan will be close to hand at all times, your midwife’s number on speed dial and your immaculately packed hospital bag ready to go, with freshly washed and ironed little outfits for baby and new pyjamas and slippers for you. As pregnancy round two draws to a close, you’ll suddenly realise you don’t even know where your overnight bag is, let alone packed it with mini toiletries and a nighty you’ll never wear. The idea of a birth plan is laughable and you might well find your hospital notes under the car seat (not that I’m speaking from experience, of course). Yep, pregnancy with a toddler is definitely different to the first time around! Apologies to second babies everywhere. It’s not that you’re less important, it’s just that time flies when you have so much else to think about.
Newborn rosie stripe dress and knickers, £22, Monsoon, Parc Trostre
Zoomies zebra Scuttler, £29.99, Argos, Parc Morfa 3pk Jersey Rompers, £12, Tu at sainsbury’s, Swansea Sweatshirt, 18-24mths, £4, Primark, Swansea
Mug in a box, £7.50, Paperchase, Cardiff
Baby Bunny Moneybox, £25, White rabbit England
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Hello gorgeous!
Name: Rhys Higgs Born: April 30, 2016 Parent: David and Bethan Higgs From: Swansea
Name: Jacsen Lee Jones Born: December 5, 2014 Parents: Lee Jones and Lisa Davies From Llanelli
Name: Tyrese-Jordan Stephan Stuart Born: June 19, 2015 Parents: Melissa Jayne Dyer and Declan Jordan Stuart From : Swansea
Name: Isabella Violet Morgan Born: July 19, 2015 Parents: Lisa and Chris Morgan From: Gorseinon
Name: Noah Davies Born: July 8, 2015 Parents: Robyn Clement and Nicholas Davies From: Taibach, Port Talbot
Name: Rosie May Davies Born: May 19, 2014 Parents: Richard and Louise Davies From: Llanelli
Meet Swansea Life’s new arrivals...
Name: Annabelle Louise Rosser Born: February 1, 2016 Parents: Laura Davies and Nigel Rosser From: Tonna
Name: Jenson Lee Griffiths Born: August 14, 2015 Parents: Danny Lee Griffiths and Roxanne Jayne Thomas From : Gorseinon
Name: Millie Grace Michael Born: January 6, 2016 Parents: Lindsey Davies and Andrew Michael From : Fforestfach
We’d love to see your new arrivals. Send your pictures along with details to laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
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Your pet pics! Who‘s the fur-est of them all? They’re part of the family, we wouldn’t be without them, and now we want to see just how gorgeous the furrier members of your household are. Email us your pet pics: laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
Name: Seren Age: 6 Breed: Tabby Likes: Drying up Dislikes: Washing up Owners: Marc and Hayley White From: Briton Ferry
Name: Alan Age: 1 years old Breed: Tibetan Terrier Likes: Meeting and greeting Dislikes: The hoover Owner: The Beasleys From: Cockett
Name: Holly Age: 6 and a half years young! Breed: Labrador Likes: Children, cheese, water, and walks! Dislikes: Balloons and the hoover Owner: Louise & Richard Davies From: Llangennech
Name: Ruby Age: 2 and a half Breed: Labrador Likes: Apples, cheesecake, pulling logs Dislikes: Being alone, wasps Owner: Chris Campbell From: Swansea
Name: Buddy Age: 2 Breed: Pomchi Likes: Vegimite Dislikes: The post man Owner: Ben and Shari Williams From: Neath
Name: Buddy Age: 11 months Breed: Sprocker Spaniel Likes: Tennis balls Dislikes: The hoover Owners: Katrina and Scott From: Morriston
Name: Missy Age: 2 Breed: Cavachon Likes: People, the beach Dislikes: Carrots Owners: Lesley and Martyn From: Glynneath
Name: Monty Age: 10 Likes: Long walks Dislikes: Kites! Owner: Sarah Tucker From: Rhossili
Name: Bonzo Age: 3 Breed: Shih Tzu x Pekingese Likes: Sleeping Dislikes: The sea Owner: Josie O’Kelly From: Gorseinon
Bridge Street, Neath,West Glamorgan. SA11 1RP Tel: 01639 641111 • www.zoarsark.co.uk
d opping ma You’ll go h dies goo over the r your fo we’ve got ds n furry frie
es to from hors e ,w hamsters rfect Pur have the Supplies
TAIL WAGGING our offers in re sto Pet Super
Pet Superstore • Horse & Country Centre • Pond & Garden Centre
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TIME FOR YOU From a selection at Sainsbury’s, Swansea Corgi Cookie Cutter, £2, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Baby Queens Guard Bodysuit, £10, M&Co, Cardiff
Queenie Jolly Ginger, £6, Biscuiteers Baking, biscuiteers.com
Union Jack Square Bunting 12 Flags 20ft, £1, Poundland, Swansea Corgi Cake, £10, Asda, Llansamlet, Llanelli
The Queen’s 90th Birthday 2016 UK £5 BU Coin, Royal Mail
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MA’AM
One Would Like A Cup Of Tea Tea Towell, £2.50, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Mark the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations on June 12 with a patriotic street party or commemorative memorabilia.LAURA DAVIES picks out some royal treats... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
@LawsDx
Queen’s 90th birthday tea, £6, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach
Crown Cookie Cutter, £2, Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Baylis and Harding Eton Mess hand wash image, £2.15, Amazon.com Emma Bridgewater Queen’s 90th birthday 12pt mug, £19.95, John Lewis, Cardiff
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Great British Cup Cake Set 24 Pack, £1, Poundland, Swansea
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To dad,with love x x Get ready to spoil your dad this Father’s Day with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of gifts... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
Jamie Oliver Turquoise BBQ, £55, Debenhams, Swansea
Six piece BBQ Tool Set, £30, John Lewis, Cardiff
@LawsDx
Personalised beer boot glass, £24.99, getting personal.co.uk Hello Handsome Muscle Minatures, £9, thegreatgift company.co.uk
Top Dog Trunks, Joules £34.95, Joules, Mumbles
Ted Baker Pigeon Paisley Jacquard Print Silk Tie, Bright Blue, £49, tedbaker.co.uk
Gower Gold Mini Keg, £20.95, The Greyhound, Oldwalls
ASICS Gel Galaxy 8, £50, JD Sports, Parc Trostre
Giant football, £10, Debenhams, Swansea
Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Heart Rate, Activity and Sleep Tracking Wristband, £99.95, Curry’s, Parc Pemberton, Llanelli
Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Sport EDT 100ml, £37, The Fragrance Shop, Swansea
Swansea City personalised mug, £9.95, Liberty Stadium Club Shop My First Father’s Day Photo Frame, £18.99, keepitpersonal.co.uk
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The David Bowie Colouring Book, by Met Elliott, £9.99, WH Smith, Swanse
5/20/2016 1:45:14 PM
Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Daddy Mug, £19.95
RJR John Rocha washed canvas holdall, £65, Debenhams, Swansea
Crazy Golf set, £25, Debenhams, Swansea
Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with MicRemote, £179, Argos, Swansea
Daddy Bodysuit, £13, M&Co, Cardiff
SHOWER GEL QUATTRO £22,, L’Occitane, Cardiff
Jacket, £30, River Islands, Swansea
Jack to A King, The Swansea Story, £14.99, HMV, Swansea
Clinique Men Great Skin For Him, £30, Boots, Swansea (available June 3)
Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End, PS4, £42, Tesco, Llansamlet
Black Cow Vodka, £26, M&S, Swansea
Watch, £25, Next, Parc Fforestfach
Keep Calm Gardener’s Kneeling Pad, £3.95, dotcomgiftshop.co.uk
David Gandy for Autograph Blue dressing gown, £39.50, M&S, Swansea
Hunter sliders, £55, www.hunter boots.com
Reserved for Dad, £15, M&S, Swansea
Blue Sky Designs VW Camper Van Speaker, £40, John Lewis, Cardiff
Share your Father’s Day pics... we want to see your picture of you and your Dad! Tweet #topdadswansea to @swansealife www.swansealife.co.uk | 243
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a touch of class Wedding car Hire
Rolls Royce – Daimlers – Jaguars – Porsche And a Professional Attendant for the Bride 75 Siloh Road, Landore, Swansea 01792 456750
Servicing all makes of vehicles Specialists in Automatic Gearboxes Fully Equipped Body Shop Jaguar Car Specialists 75 Siloh Rd, Landore, Swansea
01792 456750 ©LW
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Home Improvements Ltd Local family business established 43 years
time to treat your home... B J Bevan Home Improvements Ltd supply and install quality Upvc windows, doors and conservatories, along with fascias and gutters. We also offer a repair service to new and existing customers with regards to replacing door locks, handles, misted units, etc.
You’ll be floored by our prices! Great deals on full house orders Discounts for OAP’s. LANDLORD SPECIALS AVAILABLE!
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SwanseaCarpets Opposite Argos 24 Castle Street, Swansea
✆ 01792 642902 ©LW
5/20/2016 1:37:07 PM
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SWANSEA LIFE’S
WISH LIST! Laura Davies’ pick of this month’s most wanted... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk
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IN THE SHADE Convert your garden into a South American Rainforest with M&S’ Peruvian garden prints. Take shelter from the sun with the Peru Parasol, £129, M&S, Swansea
@LawsDx
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WHO’S A PRETTY BOY THEN? This cute sterling silver tropical parrot charm is! It forms part of Pandora’s new high summer collection that launches this month. £40, Pandora, Swansea Quadrant
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SUMMER SANDALS Whimsy embroidery and wrap-tie details add a touch of luxe to the classic heeled sandal. This pair are on our wish list, £46, Top Shop, Swansea
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QUIRKY
3 FLORAL FANCY We love this gorgeous floral print dress and even better it comes in three different styles — perfect for an alternative bridesmaid look. Asos Wedding Printed Bardot Off The Shoulder Hitchcock Midi Pencil Dress, £60, Asos.com
BLACK OR WHITE? We are loving Radley’s new Pia clutch bags which come with interchangeable tassels The only problem is — what colour to pick? £149, Radley, Cardiff
Don’t be a black swan with this quirky motif collar. Perfect for throwing over a thin summer sweater, £10, Asos.com
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER This will make a great wedding gift or a just a treat for yourself. Here’s to Happily Ever After is the latest addition to the Sentiments Collection and is a stunning double wick Beach Wood inspired fragrance. Perfect for prolonging those days at the seaside. Two wick medium tumbler, £14.99, Yankee Candle Shop, Swansea
ON YOUR BIKE!
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Fashion designer Orla Kiely has launched a 33 piece collection called Olive and Orange for Halfords. It includes printed hybrid bikes, cycle accessories, as well as camping essentials for festival season. Look fashionable with this Bike Helmet, £34.99, Halfords, Parc Pemberton
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
THE RENAISSANCE OF WALES’ FIRST GARDEN CENTRE It was one of the first ever garden centres – opened in 1974 by the horticultural legend Percy Thrower and today Pyle Garden Village has been rebranded and redeveloped to include even more shopping for its loyal customers.
deally placed just a mile from the M4 motorway at Junction 37, it’s moved up a gear with its ambition to become a unique shopping and leisure destination for all the family. £200k has been spent to create a new covered plant area inside the garden centre with up to 5000 square feet now available for new businesses and even more shopping opportunities inside.
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Gardeners are travelling far and wide to enjoy its extensive horticultural offering of flora and fauna. From large European specimens, shrubs, bedding plants, garden furniture and pots , the new covered facility allows plant browsing whatever the weather.
This family-run business with an eye for detail is blossoming into a shoppers’ haven, hosting an impressive restaurant and selection of boutiques, shops and showrooms. The Olive Tree, an eighty-seater eaterie is based inside the garden centre, serving British and European dishes. Next door is Select Stoves Wood-burner showroom and Pet Stop, a small pet and accessories store.
Gardeners are travelling far and wide to enjoy its extensive horticulural offering of flora and fauna
Together with the garden centre, nine independently -run businesses on this eight acre site have collectively created 70 Jobs – prompting the new name, - Pyle Garden Village. The aim is to show customers that it’s much more than a plant-growers
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paradise and spending money on the infrastructure is attracting high street names to the existing line-up of shopping facilities.
Situated in the grounds are Priory Kitchens showroom, Leaf Home and Interiors, Loulou Womenswear Boutique , Wood work sheds and fencing, Aqua Logic fish and aquarium supplies, Dunraven Windows and Conservatories.
The Village benefits from the added attraction of ample free parking for customers. Future plans include a Café and activity play area, Deli and farm shop, car wash and valet service.
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pyle garden village shop • eat • enjoy
PYLE GARDEN VILLAGE, Pyle, Bridgend CF33 6PU Tel: 01656 741443 Facebook: Pyle Garden Village/pyle garden centre Loulou Boutique
.co.uk
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S WA N S E A
LIFE
Have your say...
Find us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/SwanseaLife • Tweet us
@SwanseaLife
Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW
Letters...
On Twitter this month...
Thank you
@Gracie_Collins Nothing like a post bank holiday pick me up with the new @swansealife
Thank you for featuring our charity night event on your pages last month. The feedback we have had from everyone who saw it has been amazing. Tanya Perkins Killay
@OldwallsGower The wonderful wedding of Ashley and Kristal featured in this month’s @swansealife have you got your copy yet?
A recommendation I loved reading the review for Swansea University’s Great Hall restaurant in May’s issue and actually visited the place on the back of it. Wonderful and a view that really does impress. I recommend it to others too.
@Katie89loya Love the pages of beautiful shoes in May’s magazine @phil76ro Roll on July 15...fingers crossed for the SL awards night @swansealink Enjoying this month’s Swansea Life
Competition winners!
Holly Davies Via email
S WA N S E A
LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk
APRIL 2016 £2.95
SPRING
STYLE
OUR BIGGEST FASHION EDIT EVER!
Style gets personal!
Dazzling design from our interior experts
Congratulations to Mrs CA Gates, of Norton, who wins £250 to spend at Evans and Mrs Therese Shadbolt, of Loughor, who scooped £250 to spend in store at Next. (April edition).
Made in Swansea The very best in local food
Be inspired! Seasonal beauty boosts
238 LOOKS
TO KICK-START
Well done! How good to see some of Swansea’s independent shops featured in Swansea Life. (May 2016) It’s about time the focus was put on these businesses working hard to bring people into the city. Well done to them, and to your magazine, for highlighting the great work they do. Helen Kirk Gowerton
YOUR WARDROBE
04 04 9 771750 843018 9 771750 843018
Eye opener ’10 best things to do in Gower ‘ (May) was a real eyeopener. It really served to remind us of what we have here on our doorstep. Thanks for this article and for a fantastic magazine in general. Karen Miller Via e-mail
Keep tweeting us your thoughts about the magazine and let us know what you would like to see in our July edition of Swansea Life!
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S W A N S E A L I F E AW A R D S . . . N O B O D Y D O E S I T B E T T E R
L I C E N C E T OO T H R I L L BRANGWYN HALL 15∙7∙16 Untitled-1 1
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We’ve had more than 1,200 businesses nominated. Now it is over to you for the public vote to see just who will walk off with the top prizes in a night of glitz, glamour and sparkling celebration at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on July 15.
T H I S Y E A R ’ S C AT E G O R I E S . . . BEAUTY: Are you looking good for one of our Awards?
FINE DINING: Do you cater best to your customers?
CAFÉ CULTURE: Finest cafe, coffee shop or deli in Swansea? Tell us which your favourite is...
AFTER DARK: Top Swansea drinkery or dance spot? You tell us!
EVENT: Have you run Swansea's most successful event? Marshal your case GASTRO PUB: Great food, drink, service and vibe: might you be a winner? HAIR: Is your salon award-worthy? Let us know! HEALTH/GYM/SPA: Are you fit for the purpose of winning? LEISURE & TOURISM: The area is full to bursting with brilliant attractions. Which one gets your vote? HOTEL: Are you feeling comfy? Here’s which you say is the very best WEDDING VENUE: Pulling out all the stops to make your big day the best possible.
FASHION RETAILER (LOCAL): Smart operator? Go shopping for an Award! FASHION RETAILER (NATIONAL): Highlighting and celebrating great service from your high street, big name favourites VISITOR EXPERIENCE: Do you go the extra mile for your visitors? HOMES & GARDENS: Which shop makes your home dreams a reality? WEDDING RETAILER: Who has inspired your aisle style?
O N L Y O N E W E E K L E F T T O V O T E AT
www.swansealife.co.uk Simply select the business/businesses you would like to see win, from one or more of the categories. Closing date for voting is Wednesday 8th June 2016.
For more information on SPONSORSHIP contact: Debbie Roberts Direct line: 01792 545 626 | Mobile: 07966 071602 | Email: debbie.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk For more information on BOOKING TICKETS for the event contact: Paul Carter Direct line: 01792 545 518 | Mobile: 07725 499701 | Email: events@swwmedia.co.uk
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St. Michael’s School
OPEN DAY FRIDAY 17th JUNE 9.30-12.00
Co-Ed Independent day and boarding school 3-18 years
Culture of Achievement
55%
el A*-A at A-lev
e sport availalebl s Minibus tran a est W across South W
t A-level 93% A*-C a
Wales& Co-Ed) hool in c S t en d en n-Selective ep No d 15 Top In (The Times 20
www.stmikes.co.uk
St. Michael’s School | Llanelli | 01554 820 325 | office@stmikes.co.uk
Swansea International Jazz Festival 2016 : The International Jazz Festival Of Wales™
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June Swansea Maritime Quarter
THE DYLAN THOMAS THEATRE IS THE VENUE FOR ALL TICKETED CONCERTS, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL & UK-BASED JAZZ ARTISTS & BANDS COVERING A DIVERSE AND VERSATILE PROGRAMME. FULL FRINGE FESTIVAL AT VENUES ACROSS THE SWANSEA MARITIME QUARTER. JAZZ FESTIVAL OF WALES
MALCOLM DUNCAN : 360
jazzwales.com
ALAN BARNES OCTET
ALEC DANKWORTH
KEITH BALL & HIS JAZZMEN
HAMISH STUART : 360
JANET SEIDEL BAND
ALAN BARNES OCTET PEE WEE ELLIS FUNK ASSEMBLY JEFF HOOPER BIG BAND ALEC DANKWORTH’s SPANISH ACCENTS KEITH BALL & HIS JAZZMEN DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET JANET SEIDEL BAND MOSCOW DRUG CLUB NYJO
360
10-piece jazz/funk band featuring Hamish Stuart, Steve Ferrone and Malcolm ‘Molly’ Duncan founder members of the Average White Band! FULL INFORMATION & TICKETS FROM
jazzwales.com Tel: 07900 314245 KINDLY SUPPORTED BY:
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DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET
NYJO
STEVE FERRONE : 360
JEFF HOOPER BIG BAND
3 days & nights of the finest live jazz music!
PEE WEE ELLIS FUNK ASSEMBLY
MOSCOW DRUG CLUB Tickets also available from: Swansea Jazzland every Wednesday night at St James Club, St James Crescent, Swansea SA1 6DR www.swanseajazzland.co.uk Derricks Music 21 Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3BQ In shop, online or credit card phone orders. Please note: a Booking Fee added to ticket price at Derricks Music. www.derricksmusic.co.uk Tel: 01792 654226.
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Monks PREMIER SPA & HEALTH CLUB
Hen Party Venue ...free for the bride-to-be
Spa Packages from £54.00 per person
(Example Package)
The Blissful Package • A Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage or an Elemis Express Facial • Use of the Hydro Spa Facilities • Use of Fitness Suite • A 2 Course Meal at Machynys • Complimentary Refreshment on Arrival • Use of Robe, Slippers and Towel
All for only £64
Spa Gift Vouchers from £10.00 The Perfect Wedding Gift
• Bride & Groom • Mother of Bride & Groom • Bridesmaids • Bestmen Please note a £5.00 supplement applies to ALL Spa days booked Friday to Sunday
All Terms & Conditions Apply This offer is valid to 7 or more guests, the bride to be comes on a Monks Experience Package
www.machynys.com | 01554 744 888
Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Premier Spa, Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 2DG
Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Premier Spa, Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 2DG
All Terms & Conditions Apply This offer is valid to 7 or more guests, the bride to be comes on a Monks Experience Package
www.machynys.com | 01554 744 888
Please note a £5.00 supplement applies to ALL Spa days booked Friday to Sunday
• Bride & Groom • Mother of Bride & Groom • Bridesmaids • Bestmen
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG
4 Portland Street, Swansea SA1 3DH | 01792 462 999 | www.stephenhughesďŹ nediamonds.com
10 % DISC OU N T ON ALL PAIR S OF WED D ING R INGS With complementary engraving on each